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Transat AT, Inc.

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FY2005 Annual Report · Transat AT, Inc.
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2005 Annual Report

Transat A.T. Inc.

Tour Operators
Distribution Networks
Air Transportation
Accommodation
Destination Services

Highlights

Our organization

Message to shareholders

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

Financial highlights

Overview

Consolidated operations

Liquidity and capital resources

Other

Accounting

Risks and uncertainties

Outlook

Additional information

Management’s report
and Auditors’ report50

Consolidated Financial Statements

Supplementary financial data

Board of Directors of Transat A.T. Inc.

Officers of Transat A.T. Inc.

Information for shareholders and investors 

1

2

4

12

13

15

19

34

38

39

43

47

48

49

50

72

74

75

76

Highlights

(cid:1) Transat  A.T.  Inc.  recorded  revenues  of  $2.4  billion  and  net  earnings  of 
$55.4  million  in  fiscal  2005,  compared  with  $2.2  billion  and  $72.3  million
respectively  last  year,  amid  exceptionally  high  fuel  prices  and  intense 
competition.

(cid:1) In Canada, we implemented a new product marketing strategy for our tour
operator  Nolitours  with  a  view  to  increasing  our  market  share  and
strengthening our margins, particularly in Ontario.    

(cid:1) We acquired a majority stake in Travel Superstore Inc. (Trip Central), based
in Hamilton, Ontario. This company runs a travel agency network and
operates the tripcentral.ca Web site.  

(cid:1) We renewed our agreement with Canadian airline WestJet until October 31,

2007, and sold our minority stake in Europe’s Star Airlines.

(cid:1) In  Europe,  we  acquired  outgoing  French  tour  operator  Bennett  Voyages,
which specializes in packages and tours to Scandinavia, the United Kingdom
and  Ireland.  We  also  acquired  20  Carlson  Wagonlit  Travel  agencies  in
France,  in  addition  to  a  majority  stake  in  Air  Consultants  Europe  (ACE).
Based in The Hague, ACE is Air Transat’s sole commercial representative in
Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium.

(cid:1) As part of amendments to Transat’s capital structure, the Company’s com-
mon shares were replaced by two new classes of shares: Class A Variable
Voting Shares (held by non-Canadians) and Class B Voting Shares (held by
Canadians).

(cid:1) We  adopted  a  three-year  strategic  plan  focused  on  growth  and  margin

improvements. 

[in thousands of dollars 
except amounts per share]

Revenues

Net income

2005

2004

2,364,481

2,199,822

55,416

72,320

Diluted earnings per share 

1.33

1.76

Cash and cash equivalents

293,495

310,875

Cash flows relating

to operating activities

63,785

185,100

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)1

Travel agencies
and distribution
Club Voyages
exitnow.ca
TravelPlus
Trip Central
Voyages en Liberté
Club Voyages (France)

Cameleon
Jonview Canada
Trafic Tours
Transat Holidays USA
Turissimo
Tourgreece

Incoming tour operators
and services 
at travel destinations

Transat A.T. Inc. is an integrated
company specializing in the
organization, marketing 
and distribution of holiday 
travel. The core of its business
consists of tour operators in 
North America and Europe. 
Transat is also involved in air
transportation and value-added
services at travel destinations.
Finally, Transat has secured a
dynamic presence in distribution 
through traditional and online
travel agency networks.

Above all, Transat has a 
dedicated team of thorough and
efficient people who deliver
quality vacation travel services at
affordable prices to a broad
clientele. Already recognized as a
leader in Canada, Transat seeks 
to maintain its position as a
major player in the holiday travel
industry in North America and
Europe by continuing to make 
travellers its number one priority.

(cid:1) 2

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Our organization

Outgoing tour 
operators
Kilomètre Voyages
Nolitours
Rêvatours
Vacances Transat
Air Consultants Europe
Bennett Voyages
Brok’Air
Look Voyages
Vacances Transat (France)

Air 
transportation

Air Transat
Handlex

North America
Europe

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)3

Message to Shareholders

Jean-Marc Eustache

Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer

(cid:1) 4

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Poised for growth

International tourism continued to expand in 2005 following an excellent year in 2004. Despite the nat-
ural disasters and conflicts that made headlines, tourism continued its pattern of robust growth. Indeed, the
future looks bright for businesses able to adapt to new market and industry trends.

In the tourism industry, company flexibility is quickly becoming a decisive factor. Although growth is
relatively steady, the shift in travel destinations will inevitably gather pace. For many years, a handful of desti-
nation countries accounted for the lion’s share of international tourism, stemming mainly from no more than a
dozen issuing countries. This is no longer the case. Thanks to globalization, growth is increasingly driven by
new issuing markets, especially in Asia and Latin America, as hundreds of destinations promising unique expe-
riences compete head-to-head for tourist dollars.

Moreover, we have seen just how volatile the market can be. In 2003, the SARS crisis disrupted the
summer season, particularly in Asia and Canada. On December 26, 2004, a tsunami swept the Indian Ocean.
In summer 2005, a series of hurricanes struck the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico, and London was the site
of terrorist attacks. In the fall, France was rocked by successive nights of rioting. These dramatic events posed
significant challenges to the tourism industry, and not only because of their immediate consequences.

Lastly, 2005 will be remembered for the unprecedented surge in fuel prices. Although the impact on
tourism  demand  cannot  be  quantified,  spiralling  fuel  costs  negatively  affected  the  financial  performance  of
many companies, including Transat.

(cid:1) Canada: a booming market

In Canada, we implemented a new strategy to enhance our market share and boost our margins, par-
ticularly in Ontario. This initiative led to changes in our distribution system and in product marketing activities
at Nolitours (known until recently as World of Vacations/Nolitour), our tour operator subsidiary. We consequent-
ly revised our pricing approach, renegotiated agreements with travel agents and conducted a communications
and marketing campaign to support the launch of the Nolitours brand as a symbol of quality at reasonable
prices. At the same time, our Transat Holidays subsidiary, Canada’s leading tour operator, is focusing on its
product line, primarily package stays at exclusive hotels.

Given the challenges of Canada’s geography and in recognition of the pivotal importance of fine tun-
ing supply and demand, we opted to renew our agreement with WestJet until October 31, 2007; we have been
leasing narrow-bodied aircraft from this carrier since 2003. This mutually beneficial partnership also serves the
interest of our customers since it gives us the flexibility we need to offer competitively priced flights from some
15 Canadian cities.

For our wide-bodied requirements, we rely on the 14 Airbus jets operated by our subsidiary Air Transat.
The late 2004 transfer of flights, facilities and operations from Montréal–Mirabel Airport to Montréal–Trudeau
Airport in Dorval was carried out smoothly. In addition, thanks to assets such as its all-Airbus fleet, rigorous
cost  controls,  high-quality  product  line  and  well-oiled  organization,  Air  Transat  is  well  positioned  to  fulfill  its
strategic role effectively, even in a turbulent environment.

While our operations focus on winter sun destinations, and therefore, mainly on vacation packages,
we are also targeting tourist traffic between Canada and Europe in the summer months, when our customers
are primarily seeking air carrier service. Once again, the summer season saw very intense competition, partic-
ularly in Ontario and on routes between Canada and the U.K. As a result, margins were down significantly.
Market fragmentation in Ontario and the price war caused by oversupply prompted us to coordinate our efforts
to achieve our high-priority goal of strengthening our presence in this market. Furthermore, we are striving to
develop the summer package segment for European destinations, which remains less margin-sensitive.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)5

We have acquired a majority ownership interest in Travel Superstore Inc., which is based in Hamilton,
Ontario and operates travel agencies and the tripcentral.ca Web site. Travel Superstore has developed a new
and dynamic marketing approach, combining the power of the Internet with a call centre and a travel advisor
network. Expanding our distribution channels is part of Transat’s vertical integration strategy and will provide
us with additional tools to broaden our presence in Ontario.

We remain the largest incoming tour operator in Canada thanks to our subsidiary Jonview Canada,
which has built an exceptional network of tourist industry partners for which it provides product distribution
services abroad via outgoing tour operators. In this area, we have a solid presence in Europe and have begun
positioning ourselves in the up-and-coming Latin American and Asian markets.

Synergies between our incoming and outgoing markets underpin our transatlantic platform, enabling
us to serve a diversified customer base, maximize our capacity (particularly air traffic) and fully capitalize on
market cycles. In this respect, Air Transat plays a pivotal role: in the summer months, it directly serves some
30 European destinations in nine countries, including several as a regular carrier.

(cid:1) Europe: Look Voyages on the right track

Every year, European travellers take approximately 400 million foreign trips. Although they often visit
another European country, the popularity of the long-haul segment, which is of greater interest to us, is on the rise.
While it lags other regions in terms of market growth, continental Europe remains attractive due to its
size and economic potential. Accordingly, Transat continues to strengthen its presence in Europe, as an outgoing
tour operator via Vacances Transat (France), Look Voyages and, more recently, Bennett Voyages, as an incom-
ing tour operator in Canada and Greece and as an air carrier on numerous transatlantic routes, particularly
flights originating in France and the U.K. and serving several Canadian destinations.

In  France,  the  turnaround  of  Look  Voyages  is  proceeding  according  to  the  three-part  plan  we
announced in July 2004. We have abandoned the air-only market—which explains the decline in our total air
travellers—to  focus  on  our  specialty:  holiday  packages.  In  this  respect,  Look  Voyages  has  built  its  offering
around well-known products such as Clubs Lookéa. In addition, we are making greater use of Internet tech-
nologies to drive consumer and travel agency sales.

(cid:1) 6

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Our decision to sell our minority interest in Star Airlines generated a gain for shareholders. We have
entered into business agreements with various carriers to meet our air transportation needs and will continue
to do so as needed.

Concurrently, Transat acquired Bennett Voyages, an outgoing tour operator specialized in packages
and tours to Scandinavia, the U.K. and Ireland. In early fiscal 2006, we also acquired 20 travel agencies of the
Carlson Wagonlit Travel network. At the beginning of the year, we acquired a majority ownership interest in 
Air Consultants Europe, a company based in The Hague and Air Transat’s exclusive business representative 
in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium. These acquisitions have enhanced our European network in terms
of supply and distribution capacity.

(cid:1) 2005 results

Transat’s revenues for the 2004-2005 winter season totalled $1.3 billion, up slightly compared with
the previous year, while margins declined 17% to $80.0 million. Although travel volume was normal, our margins
were slimmer due to the competitive pricing environment, particularly in Ontario, and higher fuel costs. Our
summer revenues totalled $1.0 billion, yielding margins of $40.6 million, 40% lower than in 2004. In addition to
the  impact  of  fuel  prices,  our  summer  results  were  affected  by  heightened  competition  on  routes  between
Canada and the U.K.

For the year as a whole, we posted total revenues of $2.4 billion and margins of $120.6 million. Net
income  stood  at  $55.4  million,  or  $1.43  per  share,  compared  with  $72.3  million  ($2.07  per  share)  in  2004.
Organizational changes, the reorganization of Air Transat’s fleet and the cost reduction program implemented
over the past few years significantly offset the negative impact of certain market conditions. Given the serious
challenges we faced, we are relatively satisfied with our performance.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)7

(from left to right)

H. Clifford Hatch Jr.
Lina De Cesare
Benoît Deschamps
Jean-Marc Eustache
Jean Guertin
Jacques Simoneau
John D. Thompson
Philippe Sureau
André Bisson, O.C.
Dennis Wood, O.C.
and
John P. Cashman 
(not pictured)

(cid:1) 8

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Board of Directors

“At year-end, we finalized a three-year 
strategic plan that focuses on growth 
and profitability. We are increasingly 
turning to international tourism 
to enhance our development, particularly 
in North America and Europe.”

(cid:1) New strategic plan

At year-end, we finalized a three-year strategic plan that focuses on growth and profitability. We are
increasingly  turning  to  international  tourism  to  enhance  our  development,  particularly  in  North  America  and
Europe. To this end, we will be making additional acquisitions, while maintaining a brisk pace of internal growth.
Our key strategic priorities are as follows:

In  Canada,  Transat  is  the  leader  in  all  regions  except  Ontario.  We  plan  to  bolster  our  presence  in
Ontario  by  adding  new  destinations  and  expanding  our  distribution  network  to  become  the  market
leader in all regions of the country.

In Europe, Transat intends to grow its market share and continue its vertical integration in France and
the U.K., building on its strong presence in these two high-potential markets. Transat will also continue
its  initiatives  to  expand  into  other  European  countries  as  a  tour  operator  specializing  in  travel  to
Canada, among other destinations.

Elsewhere, Transat will strive to invest in new markets and, in particular, to become a tour operator in
the U.S., a strategic market it has been prospecting for some time. In addition, Transat will continue
studying the possibility of penetrating other markets, such as Asia and Latin America.

Transat wishes to step up development of destination services and to assume a portion of its accom-
modation needs in order to gain better control over capacity and product quality and to boost margins.
In  practical  terms,  this  may  mean  pursuing  stakes  or  acquisitions  in  the  hotel  industry.  Markets  in
which Transat has already reached critical mass will be reviewed first.

In light of rapid change in the distribution industry and travellers’ expectations, and given the impor-
tance of organizational responsiveness and productivity, our strategic plan will include our ongoing
technology and training initiatives and investments. To this end, Transat will strive to introduce cutting-
edge  solutions  via  agencies  and  direct  sales  in  order  to  adapt  to  new  markets  and  to  continue
efficiency enhancements.

Transat estimates that implementing its strategic plan will require up to $300 million over three years,

with funding from existing cash resources, future cash flows and external sources, as needed.

(cid:1) Capital structure: a transitional year

We  maintained  a  solid  financial  position  throughout  2005.  Our  net  debt  decreased  by  24.8%  and
Transat currently enjoys an excellent financial position, with cash resources of $293.5 million as at October 31,
2005. Near year-end, following an in-depth analysis of our business environment and expected market condi-
tions for 2006 and in response to the requirements associated with our three-year strategic plan, we informed
our shareholders that we intend to maintain a $100 million reserve to meet our working capital and any unex-
pected needs. Moreover, the Board decided to fund a portion of the strategic plan’s implementation costs out
of existing cash resources, i.e., $85 million for 2006. After due consideration, we decided to buy back a sub-
stantial amount of shares, totalling $125 million, in December 2005 so that shareholders could reap the ben-
efits of Transat’s initiatives over the past few years. More information on this matter and our repurchase pro-
gram in the normal course of business can be found in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis.

(cid:1) 10

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

During  2005,  we  amended  Transat’s  capital  structure  by  replacing  common  shares  with  two
classes of shares: Class A Variable Voting Shares, owned by non-Canadians, carry one vote per share,
unless the total number of such shares exceeds 25% of all outstanding voting shares, or 25% of the votes
cast  at  a  meeting;  Class  B  Voting  Shares,  owned  by  Canadians,  carry  one  vote  per  share  at  all  times.
This amendment was necessary because Transat holds 100% of air carrier Air Transat and must there-
fore comply with the Canada Transportation Act, which stipulates that all air carriers or the owners there-
of be Canadian, i.e., no more than 25% of their voting shares may be owned or controlled by non-Canadians.

(cid:1) Poised for growth

As  a  result  of  current  fuel  prices  and  price  volatility,  in  addition  to  fierce  competition  in  Ontario  for
Caribbean and Mexican destinations and flights between Canada and the U.K., Transat anticipates that 2006
will be a difficult year with numerous challenges. Consolidated income is thus expected to be lower than in
2005. Moreover, in France, we still believe that Look Voyages will achieve profitability in late 2006.

Although this backdrop suggests that 2006 will be a tough year, tourism and international tourism, in
particular, are faring very well and have shown resilience in the face of man-made and natural disturbances.
Furthermore, the flurry of activity in certain markets is creating opportunities that the most adaptable compa-
nies will be able to capitalize on, with Transat foremost among them.

In 2005, we continued to seek the feedback of our employees, whose contribution is fundamental to
our success. In a sector where human relationships are paramount, we consistently strive to foster the core
values of efficiency, teamwork and customer satisfaction. With a keen awareness of our social responsibilities,
we continue to provide financial and logistical support to educational and healthcare institutions, as well as cultural
and  international  development  organizations.  Indeed,  in  early  2005,  Transat  and  its  staff  made  a  significant
donation to the Red Cross to help ease the hardships faced by tsunami victims in Indonesia and Sri Lanka. 
Air Transat and its staff also continued their partnership with the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.

In December 2004, Lina De Cesare was appointed President, Tour Operators, and Philippe Sureau
was appointed President, Distribution. In closing, I would like to congratulate François Laurin on his May 2005
appointment  as  Vice-President,  Finance  and  Administration,  and  Chief  Financial  Officer.  François’  extensive
knowledge of international markets, experience with public companies and financial management expertise are
sure to be key factors in Transat’s development and influence. 

I would like to thank all Transat employees and all those who subscribe to our corporate values and

vision. Thank you as well to our directors for their loyalty and invaluable contribution.

Jean-Marc Eustache

Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer
January 18, 2006

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)11

Management’s Discussion and Analysis

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis (MD&A)  provides a review

of  Transat  A.T.  Inc.’s  operations,  performance  and  financial  position  for  the

year ended October 31, 2005, compared with October 31, 2004, and should

be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  audited  Consolidated  Financial  Statements

and notes thereto beginning on page 49. The information contained herein is

dated January 18, 2006. You will find more information about us on Transat’s

website  at  www.transat.com  and  on  SEDAR  at  www.sedar.com,  including

the  Certification  Letters  for  fiscal  2005.  These  letters,  signed  by  both 

the  President/Chief  Executive  Officer  and  the  Vice-President,  Finance  and

Administration/Chief Financial Officer of the Corporation, attest to the effect-

iveness of disclosure controls and procedures.

We  prepare  our  financial  statements  in  accordance  with  Canadian

generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). We will occasionally refer

to  non-GAAP  financial  measures  in  this  MD&A.  These  non-GAAP  financial

measures have no meaning prescribed by GAAP and are therefore unlikely to

be  comparable  to  similar  measures  presented  by  other  issuers.  They  are 

furnished to provide additional information and should not be considered a

substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

All dollar figures are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated. The terms

“Transat,” “we,” “us,” “our” and the “Corporation” mean Transat A.T. Inc. and its

subsidiaries, unless otherwise indicated.

Caution regarding forward-looking statements

This  MD&A  also  contains  certain  forward-looking  statements  with  respect  to  the  Corporation.  These  forward-
looking  statements,  by  their  nature,  necessarily  involve  risks  and  uncertainties  that  could  cause  actual  results  to  differ 
materially from those contemplated by these forward-looking statements. We consider the assumptions on which these 
forward-looking statements are based to be reasonable, but caution the reader that these assumptions regarding future
events,  many  of  which  are  beyond  our  control,  may  ultimately  prove  to  be  incorrect  since  they  are  subject  to  risks  and
uncertainties that affect us. You will find elsewhere in this MD&A certain risks and uncertainties affecting us. The Corporation
disclaims  any  intention  or  obligation  to  update  or  revise  any  forward-looking  statements,  whether  as  a  result  of  new 
information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

(cid:1) 12

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Financial highlights

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars, except amounts per share]

2005
$

2004
$

2003
$

[restated]

[restated]

% Increase  
(Decrease)

2005

2004

Consolidated statements of income

2,364,481
120,631

2,199,822
163,755

2,096,649
74,962

7.5
(26.3)

4.9
118.5

Revenues
Margin1
Gain on disposal of Anyway,  

net of related taxes of $18,775

Restructuring charge
Net income (loss)  

from continuing operations

Net income
Basic earnings (loss) 

N/A
(934)

55,416
55,416

per share (continuing operations)

Basic earnings per share
Diluted earnings (loss)  

per share (continuing operations)

Diluted earnings per share

1.43
1.43

1.33
1.33

N/A
11,350

72,320
72,320

2.07
2.07

1.76
1.76

53,101
47,972

(9,215)
44,868

(0.38)
1.27

(0.38)
1.27

N/A
(108.2)

N/A
(76.3)

(23.4)
(23.4)

(30.9)
(30.9)

(24.4)
(24.4)

884.8
61.2

644.7
63.0

563.2
38.6

Consolidated balance sheets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents  

in trust or otherwise reserved

Assets

Debt (short-term and long-term)
Total debt1
Net debt1

293,495

310,875

242,952

(5.6)

28.0

182,268
475,763

949,537

106,769
463,382
169,887

157,678
468,553

838,389

33,214
536,746
225,871

106,173
349,125

714,757

67,081
596,999
354,047

15.6
1.5

13.3

221.5
(13.7)
(24.8)

48.5
34.2

17.3

(50.5)
(10.1)
(36.2)

Consolidated statements of cash flows

Operating activities  

(continuing operations)

63,785

185,100

71,697

(65.5)

158.2

1 

NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
The terms “margin,” “total debt” and “net debt” have no standard definition prescribed by Canadian GAAP and are therefore
unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other issuers. These terms are presented on a consistent basis from period
to period. These terms are included because management uses them to measure Transat’s financial performance.

Margin is used by management to assess Transat’s ongoing and recurring operational performance. This term is represented

by revenues less operating expenses in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Total debt is used by management to assess Transat’s future liquidity requirements. It is represented by the combination of
balance sheet debt (long-term debt, obligations under capital leases and debentures) and off-balance sheet arrangements presented
on p. 36.

Net debt is used by management to assess Transat’s liquidity position. It is represented by total debt (as discussed above) less

cash and cash equivalents that are not in trust or otherwise reserved. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)13

This MD&A is divided into the following sections:

Overview

Describes  the  holiday  travel  industry  in  general  as  well  as  our  business,  vision,  strategy  and
objectives,  along  with  the  performance  drivers  and  resources  required  to  successfully  implement 
this strategy and achieve our objectives.

Consolidated operations

Provides information and analysis about our performance in 2005, compared with our 2005 objectives
and with actual 2004 results.

Liquidity and capital resources

Explains  the  sources  and  use  of  our  funds  in  2005,  compared  with  2004,  and  describes  how  we 
manage our financial position and capital resources.

Other

Describes the normal course issuer bid launched in June 2004 and renewed in 2005 for a 12-month
period, in addition to events subsequent to October 31, 2005 and recent appointments.

Accounting

Discusses  the  financial  instruments,  transactions  and  balances  with  related  parties  and  critical
accounting estimates used by our Corporation, together with the changes made to our accounting
policies in 2005 and the accounting changes that will be required in the future.

Risks and uncertainties

Provides an overview of the key risks and uncertainties that could affect us.

Outlook

Provides a discussion of Transat’s future prospects for fiscal 2006.

(cid:1) 14

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Overview

(cid:1) The holiday travel industry 

The  holiday  travel  industry  is  composed  mainly  of  tour  operators,  travel  agencies  (traditional 
and online) and air carriers serving the holiday travel market through a combination of scheduled and
charter air services. According to the World Tourism Organization, international tourist arrivals reached
a record high of 763 million in 2004 and could reach one billion by 2010. 

Tour operators specialized in outgoing services purchase the various components of a trip and sell
them to the consumer via travel agencies, either as travel packages or separately. Some tour operators
specialize as incoming tour operators, making arrangements for foreign tourists at their destinations
or bundling certain services as packages to be sold on foreign markets.

Travel  agencies  are  the  intermediaries  between  tour  operators  and  consumers.  Travel  agents
meet  with,  advise  and  sell  to  consumers.  Travel  agencies  sell  holiday  packages  and  plane  tickets
offered by tour operators, in addition to plane tickets sold directly by airline carriers and other travel
products and services. Online travel agencies now offer a large range of travel products via transac-
tional  Internet  Web  sites.  In  both  North  America  and  Europe,  online  travel  sales  are  now  made  up
almost  exclusively  of  air-only  tickets,  with  only  a  small  proportion  made  up  of  packages  (including 
airline tickets and hotels). Sales of online packages, however, are expected to grow.

Air carriers provide services to travel agencies and tour operators. These carriers are known as
“scheduled” when they sell services directly to the public and travel agencies, and as “charter” when
they sell seats in blocks to tour operators.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)15

(cid:1) Core business, vision and strategy

Core  business  –  Transat  is  one  of  the  largest  fully  integrated  tour  operators  of  international
scope in North America. We conduct our activities in a single industry segment (holiday travel) and
operate  in  two  geographic  business  areas  (North  America  and  Europe).  Transat’s  core  business
involves holiday packages and a combination of scheduled and charter flights. We operate as both
an outgoing and incoming tour operator by bundling products and services bought in Canada and
abroad and reselling them in Canada, France and elsewhere, mainly through travel agencies, some of
which we own. We operate the leading airline company in Canada specializing in international charter
services, with flights scheduled between Canada and thirteen countries. We also provide destination
and hotel management services. 

Vision – In light of the expanding international tourism market, our vision is to maximize share-
holder value by penetrating new markets, increasing our market share and maximizing the benefits of
vertical integration. We maintain a leadership position in the Canadian market, where we operate as
an outgoing and incoming tour operator; we are also the country's largest charter airline. We also have
a solid foundation in France as a vertically integrated outgoing tour operator. We have developed a
number of solid brands and we offer a large number of international destinations in both Canada and
France. Over time, we aim to expand our business in other countries where we believe there is high
growth potential for an integrated player specializing in holiday travel, namely the U.S., the U.K. and
other European countries. 

Strategy – In late fiscal 2005, we completed a strategic three-year plan focused on growth and
profitability.  We  anticipate  that  increased  international  tourism  will  speed  our  growth,  particularly  in
North America and Europe. To this end, we will be making new acquisitions while pursuing a dynamic
pace of internal growth. 

Our key strategic focuses are as follows:

In Canada, Transat is the leader in all regions except Ontario. We plan to bolster our presence in Ontario
by adding new destinations and expanding our distribution network to become the market leader in all
regions of the country.

In Europe, Transat intends to grow its market share and continue its vertical integration in France and
the U.K., building on its strong presence in these two high-potential markets. Transat will also contin-
ue its initiatives to expand into other European countries as a tour operator specializing in travel to
Canada, among other destinations.

Elsewhere, Transat will strive to invest in new markets and, in particular, to become a tour oper-
ator in the U.S., a strategic market it has been analyzing for some time. In addition, Transat will
continue studying the possibility of penetrating other markets, such as Asia and Latin America.

Transat wishes to step up development of destination services and to assume a portion of its accommo-
dation needs in order to gain better control over capacity and product quality and to boost margins.
In  practical  terms,  this  may  mean  pursuing  stakes  or  acquisitions  in  the  hotel  industry.  Markets  in
which Transat has already reached critical mass will be reviewed first.

In light of rapid change in the distribution industry and travellers’ expectations, and given the impor-
tance of organizational responsiveness and productivity, our strategic plan will include our ongoing
technology and training initiatives and investments. To this end, Transat will strive to introduce cutting-
edge  solutions  via  agencies  and  direct  sales  in  order  to  adapt  to  new  markets  and  to  continue
efficiency enhancements.

Transat estimates that implementing its strategic plan will require up to $300 million over three
years, with funding from existing cash resources, future cash flows and external sources, as needed.

(cid:1) 16

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) 2006 objectives 

As part of its 2006-2008 strategic plan, Transat seeks to pursue growth by increasing its size
and improving its profitability. The objective is to remain one of the top integrated tour operators world-
wide. For fiscal 2006, our key development initiatives and related priorities will be as follows: 

Increasing Transat’s competitiveness in the Canadian and European markets. We aim to refine
our customer segmentation process and to ensure that our tour operators develop and implement
separate customized marketing strategies, in line with the market. To this end, we will be upgrading
our distribution system, which is based on three pillars: travel agencies; business-to-business (B2B)
applications  involving  our  tour  operators  and  their  retail  network;  and  online  business-to-consumer
(B2C) distribution. Lastly, we will continue to integrate certain tour operators activities in both France
and Canada, with a view to reducing costs, particularly via synergies.

Emphasizing vertical integration of destination services. We intend to make additional investments
in  destination  services  through  partnerships  or  acquisitions  in  the  hotel  and  incoming  tour  operator 
sectors.

Achieving growth via new markets. Transat is already a leading outgoing tour operator in Canada
and  France.  To  achieve  further  growth,  we  intend  to  become  a  leader,  particularly  in  European  and
North American markets. In 2006, we will be examining other possibilities, including the U.K., which is
already  an  important  market  for  us,  and  we  will  complete  a  U.S.  market  analysis  to  ensure  proper 
timing of our entry in that market.

Planning and implementing the next generation of information systems. We will be drawing up
a long-term plan with a view to implementing the next generation of information systems — the central
component of tour operators’ activities. These are expected to include a centralized seat inventory
management  system,  which  will  be  integrated  into  the  operating  systems  of  Air  Transat  A.T.  Inc. 
(“Air Transat”). In addition, we aim to refine our preferred B2B applications and online sales systems
(B2C), both in Canada and France. Lastly, we will be developing the information systems used by our
Canadian incoming tour operator, particularly as regards multilingual capability and connectivity with
customers and suppliers.

Continuing to build on our “new” base in France. At Look Voyages, we aim to achieve profitabili-
ty beginning in the second half of 2006. In light of our new emphasis on holiday packages, we will be
redefining  the  “Clubs  Lookéa”  concept  and  drawing  up  a  strategic  plan  accordingly.  Although  tour
operator Vacances Transat (France) remains strongly focused on Canada, this subsidiary’s growing
diversification will enable us to pursue growth in continental Europe and the long-haul market while
improving the targeting of our offer. In France, we will be mobilizing our entire team to build on the
solid base we have already established.

Creating an environment to foster continuous knowledge acquisition, development and sharing.
We aim to use the best tools to identify, promote and attract talented people, thereby building a strong
and diversified team capable of assuming responsibility for our ongoing viability. We will also be develop-
ing  personal  development  initiatives  for  high-potential  employees  as  part  of  an  aggressive  business 
succession plan.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)17

(cid:1) Key performance drivers

The  following  key  performance  drivers  are  essential  to  the  successful  implementation  of  our

strategy and to the achievement of our objectives.

Market share

To be the leader in Canada in all provinces and increase market
share in Ontario, across the rest of the country and in Europe.

Revenue growth

To grow revenues by more than 5%, excluding acquisitions.

Margin

To generate margins higher than 5%. 

(cid:1) Ability to deliver on our objectives

Our ability to deliver on our objectives is dependent on our financial and non-financial resources,
both of which have contributed to the success of our strategies and the achievement of our objec-
tives in the past.

Our financial resources include:
Cash

Our cash balances not held in trust or otherwise reserved, totalling
$293.5 million as at October 31, 2005, are strong. Our continued
focus on expense reductions is expected to maintain our cash bal-
ances at healthy levels, taking into consideration the expected use
of cash balances as part of our issuer bids.

Our non-financial resources include:
Brand

We have taken all necessary steps, including the use of a new
corporate  logo  and  an  integrated  branding  platform,  to  create  a
unique, strong and visible identity across our main business units
with  a  view  to  maximizing  customer  awareness  in  both  the  B2C
and B2B markets, fully leveraging the contribution of all business
units and creating value. 

Structure

Employees

Relationship 
with suppliers

Our  vertically  integrated  structure  enables  us  to  ensure  better 
quality control of our products and services.  

In  recent  years,  we  have  intensified  our  efforts  to  build  a  unified
corporate culture based on a clear vision and shared values. As a
result, our employees work together as a team and are committed
to ensuring overall customer satisfaction and improving productivity.
In addition, we believe we derive the benefits of strong leadership;
indeed,  our  founders  are  still  at  the  helm,  bringing  expertise  and
depth. 

We have exclusive access to certain hotels in the Caribbean and 
the Gulf of Mexico. Our privileged relationships with many hotels in
Europe,  the  Caribbean  and  the  Gulf  of  Mexico  date  back  almost
20 years.

Transat has the resources it needs to meet its 2006 objectives and to continue building on its

long-term strategies.

(cid:1) 18

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Consolidated operations

(cid:1) Comparison of 2005 objectives with 2005 performance

In 2005, Transat set various objectives. Listed below are our 2005 objectives, compared with
our  2005  performance.  We  will  discuss  these  in  more  detail  in  our  analysis  of  the  2005  fiscal  year
throughout this MD&A.  

Returning Look Voyages to profitability in 2006. 
We  continued  to  implement  the  recovery  initiatives  begun  in  2004  with  a  view  to  returning  Look
Voyages to profitability. The efforts of Transat’s management and employees during fiscal 2004 and
2005 have paid off. We surpassed our objective of cutting Look Voyages’ losses by one-half. We still
believe we will be able to return this subsidiary to profitability beginning in the second half of 2006.

Continuing to execute the development plan in accordance with Transat’s overall strategy.
In  2005,  we  made  a  number  of  acquisitions.  In  the  outgoing  tour  operator  sector,  we  acquired 
Air Consultants Europe and Bennett Voyages. In the incoming tour operator and destination services
sectors, we acquired the assets of Turissimo Caribe & Excursiones C. Por A. Finally, in the distribu-
tion sector, we acquired a 50.1% stake in Travel Superstores Inc. (tripcentral.ca).  

Fostering an enterprise culture in support of our long-term business model.
During  the  year,  we  developed  a  number  of  training  programs  to  enhance  our  enterprise  culture.
These programs reflect our corporate values such as customer focus, teamwork and productivity. In
addition, we drew up and implemented a succession plan and created a corporate Intranet.

Continuing to incorporate online technology within our business model.
During the year in Canada, we implemented a number of B2B platforms that should be operational 
in the first half of fiscal 2006. In Europe, our B2B platforms are already operational. In 2006, we will
continue to develop our B2C platforms. 

Continuing to focus on tour operators.
We  revamped  the  product  lines  of  our  two  main  Canadian  tour  operators  (Vacances  Transat  and
Nolitours) to ensure full complementarity. In addition, we reviewed Nolitours’ pricing policy and distri-
bution approach in response to intense competition in certain market segments. These efforts included
strengthening  links  with  our  partners  and  a  marketing  campaign.  Finally,  we  pursued  long-term 
planning initiatives for our aircraft fleet — a key factor for tour operators.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)19

(cid:1) Acquisitions

During the year ended October 31, 2005, the Corporation made a number of business acquisi-
tions, which were accounted for using the purchase method. The acquired companies’ results were
consolidated as of the respective acquisition dates.

On November 1, 2004, the Corporation acquired a 70% stake in Air Consultants Europe, a
Netherlands-based outgoing tour operator, for a total consideration of C1.1 million ($1.6 million).
A C1 million cash payment ($1.5 million) was made on the acquisition date, with the balance (C0.1 million)
payable in two instalments until November 1, 2006. Moreover, under the Agreement, the Corporation
has a call option related to the acquisition of the remaining shares; this option may be exercised at
any time prior to October 31, 2007.

On May 1, 2005, the Corporation acquired a 50.1% stake in Travel Superstore Inc., a Canadian
company operating a travel agency network, for a total cash consideration of $4.5 million. Moreover,
under  the  Agreement,  the  Corporation  has  a  call  option  related  to  the  acquisition  of  the  remaining
shares; this option may be exercised prior to 2015. 

On  June  26,  2005,  the  Corporation  acquired  100%  of  the  outstanding  shares  of  Bennett
Voyages, a France-based outgoing tour operator, for a total consideration of C1.8 million ($2.6 million).
A  cash  payment  of  C1.1  million  ($1.6  million)  was  made  on  the  acquisition  date,  with  the  balance
(C0.7 million, or $1.0 million) payable in monthly instalments until December 31, 2006. 

On August 1, 2005, the Corporation acquired the assets of Blenus Travel Service Ltd. and Fundy
Travel  Ltd.  for  a  total  consideration  of  $1.3  million.  (Both  of  these  Canadian  companies  operate 
travel agency networks.) A cash payment of $0.3 million was made on the acquisition date, with the
balance ($1.0 million) payable over a five-year period without interest.

On October 31, 2005, the Corporation acquired the assets of Turissimo Caribe & Excursiones
C. Por A., an incoming tour operator based in the Dominican Republic, for a cash consideration of
US$1.2 million ($1.4 million).

As a result of these transactions, the goodwill on the balance sheet increased by $8.5 million.

(See note 14 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements.)

(cid:1) 20

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Geographic business areas

Revenues

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

005

North America
Europe

Total

2005
$

1,896,487
467,994

2,364,481

2004
$

1,673,530
526,292

2,199,822

2003
$

1,525,846
570,803

2,096,649

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

2004

13.3
(11.1)

7.5

9.7
(7.8)

4.9

We  derive  our  revenues  from  outgoing  tour  operators,  air  transportation,  travel  agencies  and 

distribution, incoming tour operators and destination services.

The overall increase was due to a 13.3% jump in revenues in North America, offset by an 11.1%
decrease in revenues from our European operations. The terms “travellers” and “passengers” will be
used throughout the MD&A to explain these increases and decreases. Basically, tour operators record
round-trips in terms of travellers and airlines record flight segments in terms of passengers. The key
factor  driving  higher  revenues  was  the  number  of  travellers,  which  increased  by  8.6%  compared 
with 2004. This in turn resulted from an 11.6% increase in the number of North American travellers,
offsetting a 7.9% drop in Europe. The decrease in revenues from our European operations was also
exacerbated by the dollar’s appreciation against the euro and by Look Voyages’ abandonment of its
air-only operations in 2004. 

We expect that the total number of travellers in 2006 will be similar to that of 2005. We also

anticipate an increase in revenues compared with 2005.

Revenues by season 
North America and Europe 
(continuing operations)
[in millions of dollars]

Geographic segmentation 
of revenues
(continuing operations)

2005

1,318

1,046

2004

1,234

966

2003

1,248

849

Winter season

Summer season

North America

Europe

2005

80.2%

19.8%

2004

76.1%

23.9%

2003

72.8%

27.2%

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)21

Operating expenses

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

2005
$

2004
$

2003
$

As a %  
of revenues

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

2004

2003

2005

2004

1,168,612

1,075,861

1,023,199

49.4

48.9

48.8

8.6

5.1

Direct costs
Salaries and 
employee 
benefits
Aircraft fuel
Commissions
Aircraft 

241,776
199,376
181,587

227,626
128,112
179,873

228,320
137,716
171,791

10.2
8.4
7.7

maintenance

91,778

88,684

112,960

3.9

Airport and 

navigation fees

Aircraft rent
Other

Total

67,937
52,064
240,720

59,379
59,640
216,892

60,382
67,988
219,331

2,243,850

2,036,067

2,021,687

2.9
2.2
10.2

94.9

10.4
5.8
8.2

4.0

2.7
2.7
9.9

92.6

10.9
6.6
8.2

6.2
55.6
1.0

(0.3)
(7.0)
4.7

5.4

3.5

(21.5)

2.9
3.2
10.4

96.4

14.4
(12.7)
11.0

10.2

(1.7)
(12.3)
(1.1)

0.7

Our operating expenses consist mainly of direct costs, salaries and employee benefits, aircraft

fuel, commissions, aircraft maintenance, airport and navigation fees and aircraft rent.

The overall growth in our operating expenses was due to an 18.8% increase in North America,
offset by a 13.5% decrease in our European operations. These fluctuations stemmed primarily from
surging fuel prices, increased business activity in North America, reduced air-only activity in France
and the euro’s depreciation against the dollar. 

Approximately 30% of our operating expenses are payable in U.S. dollars. We did not fully

benefit from the rebounding Canadian dollar, however, due to our hedging program.

Direct costs include the costs of the various trip components sold to consumers via travel
agencies and incurred by our tour operators. They also include hotel room costs and the costs of
reserving blocks of seats or complete flights, mainly with third-party air carriers. In 2005, these costs
represented 49.4% of our revenues, compared with 48.9% in 2004. The dollar-figure increases were
due to increased business activity and higher per-seat and hotel room costs. 

Salaries and employee benefits decreased as a percentage of revenues thanks to our cost controls
and to the restructuring efforts undertaken in 2003, resulting in the termination of over 700 employees.
Aircraft fuel costs increased by 55.6%, or almost $71.3 million, during the year, due to higher

fuel prices, which continued to surge all year. 

Commissions include the fees paid by tour operators to travel agencies for serving as interme-
diaries between tour operators and consumers. The dollar-figure increase was due to increased 
business activity, offset in part by the decrease in commission rates.

(cid:1) 22

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Aircraft maintenance costs relate mainly to the engine and airframe overhaul expenses incurred
by Air Transat. Our maintenance costs were up only slightly as a result of our increased business activity.
Airport and navigation fees relate mainly to fees charged by airports. The 14.4% increase resulted

from the higher landing fees charged by several airports since fiscal 2004.

The decrease in aircraft rental costs was due to the adoption of Accounting Guideline 15 (AcG-15),
Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities, which was issued by the Canadian Institute of Chartered
Accountants (CICA) and which took effect on November 1, 2004. AcG-15’s impact on aircraft leasing
costs  was  offset  in  part  by  the  delivery  of  new  aircraft  in  fiscal  2004.  (See  Changes  to  Accounting
Policies in the Accounting section of this MD&A.)

The increase in our other expenses was primarily due to increased business activity. In addition,
our computer expenditures also rose during the year. In 2004, other expenses included a US$4.6 million
($6.2 million or $3.9 million after-tax) payment to the Corporation to settle a dispute with the U.S.
government.  The  dispute  related  to  fees  paid  pursuant  to  U.S.  regulations  that  were  subsequently
deemed null and void by the U.S. courts. 

Although we anticipate further savings as a result of our continuing restructuring and cost-
control  efforts,  we  expect  that  our  overall  operating  expenses  will  rise  as  a  result  of  increased
business activity in 2006.

Sources of revenues 
(continuing operations)

2005

2004

2003

Other

Western
Canada

0.3%

0.4%

1.4%

15.8%
12.0%

14.7%

Québec

33.3%

28.1%

26.3%

Europe

19.8%

23.9%

27.2%

Ontario

30.8%

35.6%
30.4%

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)23

(cid:1) North America

Winter season

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Revenues
Operating expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

2005
$

1,111,924
1,026,033
85,891
7.7

2004
$

993,373
884,185
109,188
11.0

2003
$

976,336
921,857
54,479
5.6

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

2004

11.9
16.0
(21.3)
(30.0)

1.7
(4.1)
100.4
96.4

In North America, revenues increased by 11.9% during the 2005 winter season, compared with
the same period in 2004. This increase was due to a 14.9% rise in the number of travellers, compared
with the corresponding period in 2004, offset in part by competition-driven pricing pressure. Demand
for Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico destinations was particularly strong; it was relatively stable for Florida. 
The impact of higher fuel prices began putting pressure on our margins during the 2005 winter

season. Margins decreased to 7.7%, compared with 11.0% during the 2004 winter season.

During the 2005 winter season, Air Transat served some 50 destinations in 19 countries, primarily
southern  or  other  sunshine  destinations.  During  the  summer  months,  Air  Transat  shifts  most  of  its
capacity to Europe, while maintaining some flights to southern destinations. In 2005, Air Transat offered
direct flights to some 30 cities in nine European countries.

(cid:1) 24

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) North America

Summer season

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Revenues
Operating expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005
$

784,563
750,778
33,785
4.3

2004
$

680,157
611,786
68,371
10.1

2003
$

549,510
513,333
36,177
6.6

2005

15.4
22.7
(50.6)
(57.4)

2004

23.8
19.2
89.0
53.0

During the 2005 summer season, revenues increased by 15.4% compared with the 2004 summer
season, thanks mainly to a 10.3% increase in the number of travellers and to the excellent performance
of our incoming tour operator Jonview Canada. Demand was significantly higher for European desti-
nations, particularly in Greece, Italy and the U.K., where capacity was increased.

As in the 2005 winter season, margins were strongly impacted by higher fuel prices, which
continued  to  surge  throughout  the  2005  summer  season.  For  the  summer  season,  our  margins
dropped from 10.1% in 2004 to 4.3% in 2005.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)25

(cid:1) Europe

Winter season

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Revenues
Operating expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

2005
$

205,760
211,614
(5,854)
(2.8)

2004
$

240,051
252,953
(12,902)
(5.4)

2003
$

271,562
280,796
(9,234)
(3.4)

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

2004

(14.3)
(16.3)
54.6
48.1

(11.6)
(9.9)
(39.7)
(58.8)

Our European operations mainly consist of two outgoing tour operators, Vacances Transat (France)

and Look Voyages.

As  the  market  leader  for  Canadian  destinations,  Vacances  Transat  (France)  has  successfully
implemented a long-standing strategy of specializing as a long-haul holiday tour operator, with a focus
on travel package sales. It has reached a top-tier position in that market segment and is the leader
for several Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico destinations.

Look Voyages is solidly positioned in the French market and its flagship product, the Clubs
Lookéa (with all-inclusive services, including French-language entertainment), continues to appeal to
French travellers. The Lookéko product was launched a few years ago and is also very popular with
Look Voyages clients. 

In July 2004, we unveiled a plan to reposition Look Voyages and to pursue our efforts to bring
it  back  to  profitability.  Please  refer  to  “Restructuring  charge”  in  this  section  of  the  MD&A  for  more 
information on this plan.

In Europe, revenues and expenses both decreased during the 2005 winter season, compared
with the corresponding season of 2004. The drop in revenues was primarily due to the decrease in
air-only passengers, which in turn stemmed from Transat’s decision to withdraw Look Voyages from
this  market  segment.  In  addition,  competitive  pressures  resulted  in  lower  demand  (compared  with 
last year) for our products, including long-haul flights from Europe to Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico
destinations (travel packages).

The restructuring plan we initiated in 2004 began paying off during the 2005 winter season, with

the 5.4% negative margin in 2004 dropping to a 2.8% negative margin in 2005.

In Europe, the prospects for the 2006 winter season are encouraging. The current reservation
trend is up slightly, compared with 2005. We anticipate an increase in long-haul flights from Europe to
North American destinations and a decrease to Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico destinations.

(cid:1) 26

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Europe

Summer season

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Revenues
Operating expenses
Margin
Margin (%)

2005
$

262,234
255,425
6,809
2.6

2004
$

286,241
287,143
(902)
(0.3)

2003
$

299,241
305,701
(6,460)
(2.2)

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

2004

(8.4)
(11.0)
854.9
966.7

(4.3)
(6.1)
86.0
86.4

In Europe, our restructuring efforts (initiated in 2003) and acquisitions produced results. 
The drop in revenues during the 2005 summer season, compared with that of 2004, was primarily
due to lower demand for long-haul flights from Europe to Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico destinations.
The number of travellers to these destinations was down nearly 2.4%, compared with 2004.

Although revenues were down for the 2005 summer season, margins exceeded the break-even
point thanks to reduced losses at Look Voyages and the strong performance of our other European
subsidiaries.  However,  the  euro’s  depreciation  against  the  dollar,  compared  with  the  2004  summer
season, had a negative impact on the profitability of our European operations. 

While it is too early to draw any conclusions concerning the 2006 summer season in Europe,
we  anticipate  an  increase  (compared  with  2005)  in  the  number  of  people  travelling  from  France  to
Canadian destinations. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)27

(cid:1) Other expenses/revenues  

Amortization

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Amortization

2005
$

37,558

2004
$

2003
$

33,027

42,138

% Increase 
(Decrease)

2005

13.7

2004

(21.6)

Amortization expense relates to capital assets and other assets, primarily long-term financing costs

and development costs.

The amortization expense increased by more than 13%, due to the adoption of AcG-15 (effective

November 1, 2004) and to acquisitions of capital assets during the year. 

(cid:1) Restructuring charge (2004)

In July 2004, we unveiled a plan to reposition Look Voyages and to pursue our efforts to bring
it  back  to  profitability.  The  plan  involved  abandoning  certain  operations  considered  non-strategic,
namely the marketing and sale of air-only tickets. The plan called for Look Voyages to boost its holiday
package business and to step up its use of Web-based technologies with a view to stimulating sales to
travel agents and the general public. In accordance with French labour regulations, we submitted our
plan; negotiations subsequently led to a staff reduction of approximately 90 individuals. Implementation
of this plan resulted in Transat recording an $11.4 million restructuring charge in the fourth quarter of
2004. This amount included $8.3 million in cash charges and $3.0 million in asset write-offs. In 2004,
we forecast that the plan would reduce Look Voyages’ losses by 50% in fiscal 2005. Today, we can
confirm that this objective has been exceeded. Look Voyages is expected to return to profitability in
late fiscal 2006.

(cid:1) 28

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

In 2005, our review of the measures implemented during the year ended October 31, 2004 led
to a $0.9 million reversal of the provision, primarily due to lower employee training and reclassification
expenses (as required under French law), lower negotiation expenses related to the cancellation of
contracts and earlier-than-expected employee departures.

The following table highlights our restructuring activities and the balance of the provision for the

restructuring charge for the year ended October 31, 2005.

[in thousands of dollars]

Balance as at  
October 31,
2004
$

Reversal
of the
provision
$

Cumulative
drawdowns
(cash)
$

Translation
adjustment
$

Balance as at 
October 31,
2005
$

Employee termination benefits
Contract termination costs
Other costs 

Total

4,590
2,526
1,115

8,231

230
287
417

934

4,071
992
393

5,456

47
129
69

245

242
1,118
236

1,596

(cid:1) Restructuring charge (2003)

In  2003,  we  undertook  to  reduce  our  costs,  while  improving  our  operational  efficiencies  and
ensuring that all products and services not generating targeted returns would be either remedied or
eliminated. As part of these efforts, we drew up a restructuring program in the second quarter of fiscal
2003.  This  program  included  changes  to  our  management  structure,  as  well  as  a  fundamental
restructuring of our operations in France and Canada. The war in Iraq and SARS, both of which drove
down demand, accelerated the need for such a program. These events also significantly affected our
fleet composition.

The  2003  restructuring  program  is  substantially  completed.  We  expect  that  the  final  related

expenditures will be carried out during fiscal 2008.

The following table highlights the restructuring activities and the balance of the 2003 restruc-

turing provision for the year ended October 31, 2005.

[in thousands of dollars]

Employee termination benefits
Contract termination costs
Other costs

Total

Balance as at 
October 31,
2004
$

3,273
50
393

3,716

Cumulative
drawdowns
(cash)
$

1,689
50
393

2,132

Balance as at
October 31, 
2005
$

1,584
—
—

1,584

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)29

Interest

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated]

2003
$
[restated]

% Increase  
(Decrease) 

2005

2004

10,815

7,712

9,839

40.2

1,708
(12,963)

1,907
(11,307)

3,071
(9,530)

(10.4)
14.6

(21.6)

(37.9)
18.6

Interest on long-term  

debt, obligations under 
capital leases and  
debentures
Other interest 

and financial expenses

Interest income

(cid:1) Interest on long-term debt, obligations under capital leases and debentures 

Interest on long-term debt, obligations under capital leases and debentures increased in 2005,
compared with 2004, due to the adoption of AcG-15. Under this Guideline, a portion of the off-balance
sheet debt (approximately $92 million as at October 31, 2005) is reflected on our balance sheet, thereby
increasing  our  balance  sheet  debt  and  our  interest  expense.  In  addition,  we  redeemed  in  advance
$21.9 million in debentures on January 10, 2005, thereby incurring a $1.7 million non-cash charge
reflecting the difference between the debentures’ face value amount and their book value at that time,
in addition to a $0.8 million interest penalty. 

(cid:1) Other interest and financial expenses

Our other interest and financial expenses remained stable during the year, compared with the

previous year. 

We do not expect that these expenses will vary significantly in 2006, compared with 2005. 

(cid:1) Interest income

The increase in interest income was due to higher average cash and cash equivalent balances
during the year, as well as to higher interest rates. We expect that interest income will decrease in 2006,
primarily due to lower-than-expected cash and cash equivalent balances (compared with 2005) result-
ing from the use of cash and cash equivalents as part of the issuer bid announced on November 14,
2005, and completed on January 3, 2006.

(cid:1) 30

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Foreign exchange gain (loss) on long-term monetary items 

For fiscal 2005, the Corporation recorded a foreign exchange gain on long-term monetary items
due to the Canadian dollar’s continuing appreciation against the U.S. dollar during the year. A stronger
Canadian dollar reduces the value of our long-term monetary assets and liabilities. The adoption of
AcG-15 resulted in an increase in our U.S.-dollar-denominated balance sheet debt. The foreign exchange
gain on long-term monetary items was primarily due to the positive impact of exchange rates on our
debt levels. During the corresponding period in 2004, the foreign exchange loss was due to deposits
we made related to engine and airframe overhaul expenses and paid to certain aircraft lessors in 
U.S. dollars. 

(cid:1) Gain on disposal of investments

In June 2005, we signed an agreement that led to the sale of our 44.27% stake in Star Airlines S.A.
(Star) for a total consideration of C4.5 million. This transaction resulted in a $5.7 million gain on disposal.

(cid:1) Share of net income (loss) of companies subject to significant influence

On January 31, 2004, we discontinued recording an interest in Star’s results. This change adopted
in 2004 was the main reason for the variance between fiscal 2005 and fiscal 2004. The corresponding
period in 2004 included Star’s first-quarter results, which showed a loss.

(cid:1) Income taxes

Our total income tax provision amounted to $36.3 million for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2005, compared with $45.0 million for fiscal 2004. Excluding the share of net income (loss) of companies
subject to significant influence, the effective tax rates were 39.1% for the fiscal year ended October 31,
2005 and 38.1% for the preceding fiscal year. 

The increase in our tax rate was due in part to the decision to write down $5.6 million in future
tax  assets.  This  amount  had  been  recorded  based  on  the  deferrable  tax  losses  generated  by  our
French  operations  and  incurred  as  at  July  31,  2004.  This  writedown  was  recorded  based  on  our
analysis  (from  an  accounting  perspective)  of  whether  our  unused  tax  losses  related  to  our  French
operations could be used to realize tax savings in the future. Excluding the writedown of future tax
assets, however, our effective tax rate for fiscal 2005 and 2004 would have been 33.5% if we had
recorded tax recoveries on losses generated by our French operations. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)31

(cid:1) Net income

As a result of the items discussed in “Consolidated operations” of this MD&A, our net income
was $55.4 million, or $1.43 per share, for fiscal 2005, compared with net income of $72.3 million, or $2.07
per share, for fiscal 2004. The weighted average number of outstanding shares used to compute per
share amounts was 37,863,000 for the current year and 33,374,000 for 2004. 

On a diluted per share basis, earnings per share for fiscal 2005 amounted to $1.33 per share,
compared with $1.76 per share for fiscal 2004. The adjusted weighted average number of outstand-
ing  shares  used  to  compute  diluted  earnings  per  share  was  41,684,000  for  the  current  year  and
41,156,000 for 2004. 

Excluding the restructuring charge, the gain on disposal of our investment in Star and the foreign
exchange  gain  resulting  from  the  adoption  of  AcG-15  requiring  us  to  consolidate  certain  financial
transactions, net earnings in 2005 were $46.8 million, or $1.14 per fully diluted share, compared with
$83.7 million, or $2.04 per fully diluted share, in 2004. (See note 11 to the audited Consolidated Financial
Statements.)

(cid:1) Selected quarterly unaudited financial information

[in thousands of dollars, except amounts per share]

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

2005
$

2004
$
[restated]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated]

588,740
13,833

537,200
16,945

728,944
66,204

696,224
79,341

552,897
17,214

499,118
28,120

493,900
23,380

467,280
39,349

(1,800)

2,786

38,400

45,424

794

12,772

18,022

11,338

(0.08)

0.06

(0.08)

0.06

1.05

0.91

1.35

1.10

0.02

0.02

0.36

0.31

0.45

0.44

0.31

0.27

Revenues
Margin
Net income 

(loss) 

Earnings (loss) 

per share

Diluted earnings 
(loss) per share 

Overall, revenues in 2005 were up compared with 2004, primarily due to an increase in the

number of travellers and to the acquisitions made since the third quarter of fiscal 2004. 

Our margins demonstrated significant fluctuations in fiscal 2005, compared with 2004. In
general, they were under great pressure throughout the year from surging fuel prices and selling price
competition. 

(cid:1) 32

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Fourth-quarter highlights

In the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005, we recorded revenues of $493.9 million, compared with
$467.3 million for the same period in 2004, representing an increase of $26.6 million, or 5.7%. This was
primarily due to increased business activity in North America and to the acquisitions made since 2004,
offset in part by pricing pressures in Ontario and the U.K. and by the depreciating euro. 

In addition, we generated a margin of $23.4 million, or 4.7%, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2005,
compared with $39.4 million, or 8.4%, in 2004. The increase in operating expenses stemmed from
surging fuel prices and increased business activity. 

Net income for the quarter stood at $18.0 million, or $0.44 per share on a fully diluted basis
($9.1 million, or $0.22 per share, excluding the after-tax effect of reversing certain restructuring charges,
of the gain on disposal of our investment in Star and of the gain on foreign exchange resulting from
the application of AcG-15 and requiring us to consolidate certain financial transactions). This compared
with  $11.3  million,  or  $0.27  per  share  on  a  fully  diluted  basis  ($22.7  million,  or  $0.54  per  share),
excluding the after-tax restructuring charge.

Revenues by quarter 
(continuing operations) [in millions of dollars]

2005

2004

2003

Q1

Q2

Q3

Q4

589

537

529

729

696

719

552

499

444

494

467

405

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)33

Liquidity and capital resources  

Cash flows

Years ended October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Cash flows relating 

to operating activities

Cash flows relating 

to investing activities

Cash flows relating 

to financing activities

Net change in cash 

and cash equivalents

2005
$

2004
$

2003
$

% Increase  
(Decrease) 

2005

2004

63,785

185,100

71,697

(65.5)

158.2

(18,600)

(32,970)

(4,275)

43.6

(671.2)

(37,975)

(32,702)

(56,278)

(16.1)

41.9

7,210

119,428

11,144

(94.0)

971.7

The above table summarizes the cash flow activity and should be read in conjunction with the audited Consolidated Statements of
Cash Flows.

As  at  October  31,  2005,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  totalled  $293.5  million,  compared  with
$310.9  million  in  2004.  Cash  and  cash  equivalents  in  trust  or  otherwise  reserved  amounted  to 
$182.3 million at the end of fiscal 2005, compared with $157.7 million in 2004. Our balance sheet
included $225.8 million in working capital, or a ratio of 1.6, compared with $204.3 million in 2004, or
a ratio of 1.5. As regards our French operations, we also have access to unused lines of credit totalling
C11.8 million ($16.7 million).

Total assets increased by $111.1 million, or 13.3%, rising from $838.4 million as at October 31, 2004
to $949.5 million. This increase was primarily due to the adoption of AcG-15, effective November 1,
2004. Shareholders’ equity increased by $51.2 million, rising from $311.1 million as at October 31,
2004 to $362.3 million as at October 31, 2005, due mainly to the $55.4 million in net income 
generated in the current year. 

(cid:1) 34

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Operating activities

During the year, cash flows of $63.8 million were generated from operating activities, a decrease
of $121.3 million compared with 2004. This decrease was primarily due to the lower margins gener-
ated during the year, as well as to the decrease in the net change in working capital balances related
to operations. In 2004, the net change in working capital balances related to operations was greater,
primarily due to higher credit balances, charges payable and income tax payable, compared with 2003.

We expect to continue to generate positive cash flows from our operating activities in 2006.

(cid:1) Investing activities

During the year, cash flows used for investing activities decreased by $14.4 million to $18.6 million,
compared with $33.0 million in 2004. This decrease was primarily due to cash inflows resulting from
the disposal of property, plant and equipment and of our investment in Star. 

In 2006, we expect that capital asset acquisitions will total between $35.0 million and $40.0 million.

(cid:1) Financing activities

During the year, cash flows of $38.0 million were used for financing activities, a $5.3 million increase
compared with 2004. This increase was primarily due to the higher value of share redemptions during
fiscal 2005 (compared with 2004), offset in part by lower repayments in regard to long-term debt capital
lease obligations and debentures, compared with 2004. 

On  January  3,  2006,  we  completed  our  issuer  bid  (discussed  elsewhere  in  this  MD&A).

Completion of this bid required an outlay of $125.0 million. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)35

(cid:1) Off-balance sheet arrangements

In the normal course of business, Transat enters into arrangements and incurs obligations that
will impact its future operations and liquidity. Some of these obligations are reflected as liabilities in the
Consolidated Financial Statements at year-end. Total debt obligations amounted to $106.8 million as
at October 31, 2005 (compared with $33.2 million in 2004). Obligations not reflected as liabilities are
considered  off-balance  sheet  arrangements.  These  contractual  arrangements  are  entered  into  with
non-consolidated entities and are made up of:

Guarantees (see notes 9 and 20 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements)
Operating leases (see note 20 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements)

The  2005  off-balance  sheet  debt  that  can  be  estimated  was  approximately  $356.6  million  as  at

October 31, 2005 (down from $503.5 million in 2004) and can be reconciled as follows:

[in thousands of dollars]

Guarantees

Irrevocable letters of credit [notes 8 and 20]
Security contracts [note 20]

Operating leases

Commitments under operating leases [note 19]
Guaranteed residual value

Total

2005
$

17,238
1,260

2004
$

17,663
1,045

338,115
—

356,613

415,832
68,992

503,532

Guarantees  are  required  in  the  normal  course  of  business  in  the  travel  industry  to  provide 
indemnifications to counterparties in transactions such as operating leases, irrevocable letters of credit
and security contracts. Thus far, Transat has made no significant payments under such guarantees.
Operating leases are entered into to enable us to lease certain items, rather than acquiring them. The
adoption of AcG-15 on November 1, 2004, resulted in a $101.8 million decrease in our off-balance
sheet debt.

We believe that we will be able to meet our obligations from existing funds, operating cash flows

and borrowings under existing credit facilities.

(cid:1) 36

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Contractual obligations

Payments due by period 
Years ending October 31 [in thousands of dollars]

Contractual
obligations

Debentures
Obligations 

under capital 
leases
Operating 

2006
$

10,000

2007
$

—

2008
$

—

2009
$

3,156

2010
$

—

2011 and
thereafter
$

Total
$

—

13,156

6,199

6,968

80,446

—

—

—

93,613

leases (aircraft) 50,140

50,370

49,664

43,036

22,919

11,910

228,039

Operating 

leases (other)

Total

18,464

84,803

13,294

70,632

10,169

140,279

7,479

53,671

4,535

27,454

56,135

68,045

110,076

444,884

The above table summarizes the Corporation’s obligations and commitments to make future payments under contracts, including obli-
gations under capital leases, other leases and debentures. For further information, see notes 9, 10 and 19 to the audited Consolidated
Financial Statements.

2005

2004

2003

Changes in cash and cash equivalents
[in millions of dollars]

Cash outflows

Cash inflows

Operating cash flows 

Working capital balances 

(12.8)

Deposits, engine, air frame 

Additions to capital assets

Long-term debt and debenture 
reimbursements

Redemption of shares

Other, net 

(27.2)
(20.9)
(12.5)

(28.7)
(38.7)
(57.6)

(22.5)
(5.0)

(1.1)

Discontinued operations 

Net increase in cash 
and cash equivalents 

75.6
124.0
52.9

42.0
17.1

1.0
19.1
1.7

21.8

9.5

77.9

7.2
119.4
89.0

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)37

Other  

(cid:1) Normal course issuer bid

On June 8, 2005, the Board of Directors of Transat filed a notice to extend the normal course
issuer bid for a 12-month period; the bid was originally scheduled to expire on June 14, 2005. In the
notice, the Corporation stated its intention to purchase for cancellation up to a maximum of 3,935,000
Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares, representing 10% of the public float of
Class A Variable Voting Shares and the Class B Voting Shares held by the public. As at June 3, 2005,
there were 7,970,922 Class A Variable Voting Shares and 32,602,040 Class B Voting Shares issued
and outstanding, of which 39,351,600 Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares
represent the public float.

This program is designed to allow the Corporation to purchase Class A Variable Voting Shares
and Class B Voting Shares in the normal course of business, i.e., when the Corporation estimates that
the Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares are undervalued by the market

These purchases are to be made via the Toronto Stock Exchange in accordance with its policy
on normal course issuer bids. The price the Corporation will pay for any Class A Variable Voting Shares
and Class B Voting Shares will be the market price at the time of acquisition, plus brokerage fees.
Purchases began on June 15, 2004 and will end no later than June 14, 2006. 

During the year, 1,081,100 voting shares, made up of Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B

Voting Shares, were purchased for cancellation for a cash consideration of $22.5 million.  

(cid:1) Subsequent events

On November 14, 2005, the Corporation announced an offer to purchase its Class A Variable
Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares for cancellation. A maximum of 7,142,857 shares, or approx-
imately 18% of the 40,156,450 Class A Variable Voting Shares and Class B Voting Shares issued and
outstanding, could have been purchased at a price of at least $17.50 per share but no more than $20.00
per share, for a maximum total consideration of $125.0 million. This offer expired on December 22, 2005.
In accordance with its offer, the Corporation redeemed, on January 3, 2006, a total of 6,443,299
voting shares, consisting of 1,780,797 Class A Variable Voting Shares and 4,662,502 Class B Voting
Shares, for a cash consideration of $125.0 million.

On  December  1,  2005,  the  Corporation  acquired  the  assets  of  20  travel  agencies  operating 
in France and belonging to the Carlson Wagonlit Travel network for a total cash consideration of
C2.9 million ($4.0 million).

(cid:1) Appointments

In May 2005, François Laurin was appointed Vice-President, Finance and Administration and
Chief Financial Officer. Both positions had previously been held by Nelson Gentiletti, who was named
Executive Vice-President of Transat Tours Canada in August 2004.

(cid:1) 38

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Accounting  

(cid:1) Financial instruments

In the normal course of business, the Corporation is exposed to risks related to certain exchange
rate and fuel price fluctuations. These risks are managed by entering into various financial instruments.
Management is responsible for determining acceptable levels of risk and only uses financial instruments
to hedge existing commitments or obligations, not to realize a profit on trading activities.  

(cid:1) Credit risk related to financial instruments

The theoretical risk to which we are exposed in relation to financial instruments is limited to the
replacement cost of contracts at market rates in the event of counterparty default. Management is of
the opinion that the credit risk related to financial instruments is adequately managed because we only
enter  into  agreements  with  large  financial  institutions  and  multinational  companies  with  appropriate
credit ratings.

(cid:1) Management of fuel price and foreign exchange rate risks

We  entered  into  fuel  purchasing  contracts  to  manage  fuel  price  fluctuation  risks.  To  manage 
foreign exchange risks, we also entered into foreign exchange forward contracts expiring in less than
one year for the purchase and sale of foreign currencies. 

(cid:1) Credit risk

We  believe  we  are  not  exposed  to  significant  concentrations  of  credit  risk.  Cash  and  cash 
equivalents are invested on a diversified basis in investment grade corporations. Accounts receivable 
generally arise from the sale of vacation packages to individuals through retail travel agencies and the
sale of seats to tour operators, which are dispersed over a wide geographic area.

(cid:1) Fair value of financial instruments presented on the balance sheets

Due  to  their  short-term  nature,  the  carrying  amount  of  current  financial  assets  and  liabilities

reflected on the consolidated balance sheets approximates their fair value.

Due to their specific nature, the carrying value of obligations under capital leases presented in

the consolidated balance sheets approximates their fair value. 

The fair value of the debentures could not be determined with sufficient reliability due to their

specific nature.

Note 21 to the audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the year ended October 31, 2005

(included in this 2005 Annual Report) contains additional information on financial instruments.

(cid:1) Related parties

In  the  normal  course  of  business,  we  enter  into  transactions  with  related  companies.  These
transactions are measured at the exchange amount, which corresponds to the amount of considera-
tion determined and agreed to by the related parties.

As a result of the disposal of our investment in Star, we have no material transactions or bal-

ances with related parties.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)39

(cid:1) Critical accounting estimates

Preparing financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires management to make certain
estimates. We periodically review these estimates, which are based on historical experience, changes
in  the  business  environment  and  other  factors  that  management  considers  reasonable  under  the 
circumstances. Our estimates involve judgements we make based on the information available to us.
Actual results may differ materially from these estimates.

In  the  discussion  below,  we  have  identified  a  number  of  critical  accounting  estimates  that
required us to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time the estimates
were made. Our results, financial position and cash flows might have been substantially different if we
had used different estimates in the current period or if these estimates were likely to change in the future.
This  discussion  addresses  only  those  estimates  that  we  consider  important  based  on  the
degree of uncertainty and the likelihood of a material impact if we had used different estimates. There
are many other areas in which we use estimates about uncertain matters.

Aircraft maintenance/Provision for engine and airframe overhaul
We provide for aircraft engine and airframe overhaul expenses based on an estimate of expect-
ed future costs until the expiry of the leases for these aircraft, or on an estimate of their remaining useful
lives if they are owned. These expenses are amortized over the total number of engine cycles and the
total number of months anticipated over the same periods. They are charged to income based on the
number of engine cycles or the number of months recorded during the year, via amortization of the
capitalized  overhaul  costs  or  via  a  provision  for  future  costs,  as  the  case  may  be.  Any  changes  in
demand for air travel or in the economy as a whole, or any additional actions by management, could
alter the factors used to estimate this provision. This may result in charges that could materially affect
our results, financial position and cash flows. In general, the main assumptions used to calculate this
provision would have to be reduced by approximately 15%, resulting in additional charges that could
have a material impact on our results, financial position and cash flows.

Goodwill
We record material balance sheet amounts relating to goodwill based on historical costs. To
determine possible goodwill impairment, we are required to review goodwill annually, or more often if
events or changes in circumstances so warrant. Our review is based on an asset’s ability to generate
future cash flows. We carry out an analysis by estimating the discounted future cash flows attributa-
ble  to  each  asset;  this  analysis  requires  us  to  make  a  variety  of  judgements  concerning  our  future
operations. The cash flow forecasts used to determine asset values may change in the future due to
market conditions, competition and other factors. Any changes may result in non-cash charges that
could materially affect our results and financial position. In general, the main assumptions would have
to be reduced by 30%-70% (depending on the operating unit), resulting in a significant loss in value
for the operating unit and a material impact on our results and financial position. However, reducing
these assumptions would only result in a non-cash charge and would not affect our cash flows.

(cid:1) 40

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment on the balance sheet includes material amounts based on his-
torical costs. These assets are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances
indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. Our review is based on an asset’s ability to
generate future cash flows. We carry out an analysis by estimating the net undiscounted future cash
flows attributable to each asset; this review requires us to make a variety of judgements concerning
our  future  operations.  The  cash  flow  forecasts  used  to  determine  asset  values  may  change  in  the
future due to market conditions or other factors. Any changes may result in non-cash charges that
could materially affect our results and financial position. In general, the main assumptions would have
to be reduced by 60%, resulting in a loss in value and a material impact on our results and financial
position. However, reducing these assumptions would not result in cash outlays and would not affect
our cash flows.

(cid:1) Accounting changes

During fiscal 2005, we adopted CICA Accounting Guideline 15 (AcG-15), Consolidation of
Variable Interest Entities, together with the amendments set out in CICA Handbook Section 3861,
“Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation.”

Effective November 1, 2004, we adopted AcG-15 retroactively, without restatement of prior periods.
This new Guideline clarifies the application of consolidation principles to certain entities that are subject
to control on a basis other than ownership of voting interests. AcG-15 provides guidance for deter-
mining when an enterprise should include a variable interest entity’s assets, liabilities and operating
results in its Consolidated Financial Statements. As a general rule set out in AcG-15, an enterprise
should consolidate a variable interest entity when that enterprise has a variable interest, or a combina-
tion of variable interests, that will absorb a majority of the entity’s expected losses (if they occur), receive
a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns (if they occur), or both (the “primary beneficiary”). 
We have conducted a number of aircraft financing transactions whereby we guaranteed a por-
tion of the residual value at the end of the lease term involving special purpose entities. These entities
are considered variable interest entities and we are considered the primary beneficiary. The applica-
tion of AcG-15 (effective November 1, 2004) resulted in a $12.2 million increase in retained earnings;
a $116.0 million increase in property, plant and equipment; and a $103.9 million increase in liabilities,
including $101.8 million (US$83.4 million) for obligations under capital leases. Although the applica-
tion of AcG-15 had no impact on our cash flows, net earnings decreased by $2.0 million and basic
earnings per share decreased by $0.05 for the year ended October 31, 2005.

On November 1, 2004, we retroactively adopted the amendments set out in Section 3861, 
with restatement of prior periods. Under these amendments, certain obligations that must or could be
settled  by  one  of  the  issuer’s  equity  instruments  should  be  presented  as  liabilities.  Previously,  the 
liability  and  equity  components  of  these  obligations  were  recorded  separately.  In  accordance  with
these amendments, the balance sheet dated October 31, 2004 was restated to reflect an amount of 
$2.4 million (pertaining to the equity component of a debenture and originally presented under share-
holders’ equity), which was reclassified under debentures as a long-term liability. Although the appli-
cation of these amendments had no impact on retained earnings as at November 1, 2003, net earnings
and interest on the equity component of debentures (as presented in the Consolidated Statement of
Retained Earnings) for the year ended October 31, 2004 was reduced by $0.1 million. The application
of these amendments had no impact on basic earnings per share for these same periods or on cash
flows.  The  application  of  these  amendments  had  no  significant  impact  on  the  results  for  the  year
ended October 31, 2005.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)41

(cid:1) Future accounting changes

On  January  27,  2005,  the  CICA  issued  three  new  accounting  standards:  Section  1530
(“Comprehensive Income”), Section 3855 (“Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement”)
and Section 3865 (“Hedges”). We will be adopting these standards effective November 1, 2006. We
are currently assessing the impact of these new standards on our Consolidated Financial Statements
upon initial adoption on November 1, 2006.

Comprehensive income
This new standard describes how comprehensive income (and its components) should be pre-
sented.  Comprehensive  income  corresponds  to  the  variation  in  an  enterprise’s  net  assets  resulting
from transactions, events and circumstances from non-shareholder sources. The main components
include unrealized currency translation adjustments arising from a self-sustained foreign operation and
fair value adjustments of the effective component of cash flow hedging instruments.

Financial Instruments – Recognition and Measurement 
This new standard establishes the timing and method of accounting for financial instruments in
the balance sheet. In some cases, fair value may be used; in other cases, a method based on the his-
torical cost may apply. This standard also describes how gains and losses on financial instruments
should be presented. 

Hedges
Hedge accounting is discretionary. This standard makes it possible for entities to apply accounting
treatments  other  than  those  set  out  in  Section  3855  (“Financial  Instruments  –  Recognition  and
Measurement”) to eligible transactions that the entities choose to designate (for accounting purposes)
as components of a hedging relationship. This new standard adds to Accounting Guideline 13 (AcG-13),
Hedging Relationships, and Section 1650 (“Foreign Currency Translation”) by specifying how hedge
accounting may be applied and the related disclosure requirements.

(cid:1) 42

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Risks and uncertainties  

(cid:1) Economic and general factors

Economic factors such as a significant downturn in the economy, a recession or a decline in the
employment rate in North America, Europe or key international markets could have a negative impact
on our business and operating results by affecting demand for our products and services. Our oper-
ating results could also be adversely affected by more general factors, including the following: extreme
weather conditions; war, political instability or terrorism, or any threat thereof; epidemics or disease
outbreaks;  consumer  preferences  and  spending  patterns;  consumer  perceptions  of  airline  safety;
demographic trends; disruptions to air traffic control systems; and costs of safety, security and envi-
ronmental measures. Furthermore, our revenues are sensitive to events affecting domestic and
international air travel as well as the level of car rentals and hotel and cruise reservations.

(cid:1) Competition

We face many competitors in the holiday travel industry. Some of them are larger, with strong
brand name recognition and an established presence in specific business areas, substantial financial
resources and preferred relationships with travel suppliers. We also face competition from travel sup-
pliers selling directly to travellers at preferential prices. These competitive pressures could adversely
impact our revenues and margins since we would likely have to match competitors’ prices.

(cid:1) Fluctuations in currency exchange rates and interest rates

We are exposed, by reason of our many arrangements with foreign-based suppliers, to fluctua-
tions in exchange rates between the U.S. dollar, the Canadian dollar and the euro. These fluctuations
could increase our costs of operations. Changes in interest rates could also impact our interest income
from our cash and cash equivalents and interest expense from variable-rate debt instruments, in turn
affecting our earnings. We currently purchase derivative financial instruments to hedge against
exchange-rate fluctuations affecting our obligations under capital leases and our off-balance sheet air-
craft financing arrangements.

(cid:1) Fuel costs and supply

In particular, Transat is exposed to fluctuations in fuel costs. Due to competitive pressures in the
industry, there can be no assurance that we would be able to pass along any increase in fuel prices
to our customers by increasing fares, or that any fare increase would offset higher fuel costs, which
could  in  turn  adversely  impact  our  business,  financial  position  or  operating  results.  We  currently 
purchase futures contracts to hedge against fuel cost fluctuations. Furthermore, if there were a reduc-
tion in the supply of fuel, our operations could be adversely impacted.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)43

(cid:1) Changing industry dynamics: new distribution methods 

The widespread popularity of the Internet has resulted in travellers being able to access infor-
mation about travel products and services and to purchase such products and services directly from
suppliers, thereby bypassing not only vacation providers such as Transat, but also retail travel agents
through whom we generate a substantial portion of our revenues. To remain competitive, we devel-
oped and launched an online booking service (www.exitnow.ca) in Canada several years ago enabling
consumers to purchase travel products on line.

In addition, the recent erosion of commissions paid to travel distributors by travel suppliers, par-
ticularly airlines, has weakened the financial position of many travel agents. Because we currently rely
to some extent on retail travel agencies for access to travellers and revenues, any consumer shift away
from travel agencies and toward direct purchases from travel suppliers could have an impact on our
operations.

(cid:1) Reliance on contracting travel suppliers

Despite being well positioned due to our vertical integration, we are reliant on travel suppliers to
sell our products and services. Furthermore, we are increasingly dependent on non-group airlines to
transport our passengers to their vacation destinations. In general, our travel suppliers can terminate
or modify existing agreements with us at relatively short notice. The inability to replace these agree-
ments  with  similar  suppliers  or  to  renegotiate  agreements  at  reduced  rates  could  have  an  adverse
effect on our results. Furthermore, any decline in the quality of travel products and services provided
by  these  suppliers,  or  any  perception  by  travellers  of  such  a  decline,  could  adversely  affect  our 
reputation. Any loss of contracts, changes to our pricing agreements, access restrictions to travel
suppliers’ products and services or negative shifts in public opinion concerning certain travel sup-
pliers and resulting in lower demand for their products and services could have a significant effect
on our results.

(cid:1) Dependence on technology

Our business depends on our ability to access information, manage reservation systems (includ-
ing handling high telephone call volumes on a daily basis) and distribute our products to retail travel
agents and other travel intermediaries. To this end, we rely on a variety of information and telecom-
munications technologies. Rapid changes in these technologies could require higher-than-anticipated
capital expenditures to improve or upgrade the level of customer service; this could impact our oper-
ating results. In addition, any systems failures or outages could adversely affect our business, customer
relationships and operating results.

(cid:1) Dependence on customer deposits and advance payments

Transat derives significant interest income from customer deposits and advance payments. In
accordance with our investment policy, we are required to invest these deposits and advance pay-
ments exclusively in investment-grade securities. Any failure of these investment securities to perform
at historical levels could reduce our interest income.

(cid:1) Negative working capital

Our activities generate customer deposits and advance payments. In the event that the flow of
advance payments diminished and Transat were required to find alternative sources of capital, there
could be no assurance that such sources would be available at terms and conditions acceptable to
us. This could have a significant effect on our business.

(cid:1) 44

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

(cid:1) Fluctuations in financial results

The travel industry in general and our operations in particular are seasonal. As a result, our quar-
terly operating results are subject to fluctuations. In our view, quarter-to-quarter comparisons of our
operating results are not necessarily meaningful and should not be relied on as indicators of future
performance. Furthermore, due to the economic and general factors described above, our operating
results in future periods could fall short of the expectations of securities analysts and investors, thus
affecting the market price of our shares.

(cid:1) Government regulation and taxation

Transat’s future results may vary depending on the steps taken by governmental authorities with
jurisdiction over our operations. These steps include the granting and timing of certain governmental
approvals or licenses; the adoption of regulations impacting customer service standards (such as new
passenger security standards); the adoption of more stringent noise restrictions or curfews; and the
adoption of provincial regulations impacting the operations of retail and wholesale travel agencies. In
addition, the adoption of new regulatory frameworks (or amendments thereto) or tax policy changes
could affect our operations, particularly as regards hotel taxes, car rental taxes, airline excise taxes
and airport taxes and fees.

(cid:1) Future capital requirements

Transat may need to raise additional funds in the future to capitalize on growth opportunities or
in  response  to  competitive  pressures.  There  can  be  no  assurance  that  additional  financing  will  be
available on terms and conditions acceptable to us. This could adversely affect our business.

(cid:1) Interruption of operations

If our operations are interrupted for any reason (including aircraft unavailability due to mechani-
cal factors), the loss of associated revenues could have an impact on our business, financial position
and operating results.

(cid:1) Insurance coverage

In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the airline insurance market gave
notice that it intended to cancel all aircraft third-party liability coverage for risks associated with war and
terrorist  acts.  Although  this  notice  was  subsequently  rescinded,  the  limit  on  third-party  civil  liability 
coverage for bodily injury and property damage was reduced to US$50 million per incident.

Since no commercial market was immediately available to provide airlines with third-party civil
liability coverage against war and terrorist acts in excess of US$50 million, it was necessary for indi-
vidual governments to cover locally-based airlines against this risk until commercial insurance became
available  at  commercially  reasonable  terms.  Both  France  and  Canada  covered  their  air  carriers
accordingly. 

Over the last three and a half years, a commercial market has become available to cover these
risks. However, the reasonableness of the terms has been a subject of some discussion, and some
market  participants  are  not  licensed  to  transact  business  in  Canada.  The  Canadian  government 
continues to cover its air carriers, prompted by the licensing situation and by the U.S. government’s
decision to continue protecting its own carriers against such risks. However, there can be no assur-
ance that the Canadian government will not rescind its coverage, particularly if the U.S. government
changes its position.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)45

(cid:1) Casualty losses 

We believe that we and our suppliers have adequate liability insurance to cover risks arising in
the  normal  course  of  business,  including  claims  for  serious  injury  or  death  arising  from  accidents
involving  aircraft  or  other  vehicles  carrying  our  customers.  Although  we  have  never  faced  a  liability
claim for which we did not have adequate insurance coverage, there can be no assurance that our
coverage will be sufficient to cover larger claims or that the insurer concerned will be solvent at the
time of any covered loss. In addition, there can be no assurance that we will be able to obtain coverage
at acceptable levels and cost in the future. These uncertainties could adversely affect our business
and operations.

(cid:1) Slot and gate availability

Access to landing and departure runway slots, airport gates and facilities is critical to our oper-
ations and future growth strategy. The availability or cost of these facilities in the future could have a
negative effect on our operations.

(cid:1) Aircraft lease obligations

Transat has significant non-cancellable lease obligations relating to its aircraft fleet. If revenues
from aircraft operations were to decrease, the payments to be made under our existing lease agree-
ments could have a substantial impact on our operations.

(cid:1) Key personnel

Our future success depends on our ability to attract and retain qualified personnel. The loss of

key individuals could adversely affect our business and operating results.

(cid:1) Uncertainty of future collective bargaining agreements

Our operations could be adversely affected in the event of an inability to reach an agreement

with a labour union representing our employees, including pilots. 

(cid:1) 46

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Outlook  

Our efforts over the next three years will be focused primarily on driving growth (both from within
and via acquisitions), improving our margins and penetrating new markets. We expect to invest nearly
$300 million over three years to carry out our development plan. 

In North America, the winter season reservation trend is similar to that of last year, despite
Hurricane Wilma’s impact on the Cancun region and related consumer perceptions. We expect our
margins to come under pressure, primarily due to higher fuel prices and increased capacity in certain
markets, particularly Ontario. 

In Europe, the trend for winter season reservations is higher, compared with 2005. 
As a result, we expect that overall margins will be lower in the first half of 2006, compared with

the corresponding period in 2005. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)47

Additional information

North America
[revenues in thousands of dollars]

Europe
[revenues in thousands of dollars]

2005

2004

2003

2005

2004

2003

Outgoing tour operators 
and air transportation

Tour operators under the 
Transat Tours Canada* banner
and the airline company Air Transat
* Transat Holidays and Nolitours
Revenues ($)
Employees
Passengers1
Travellers2

1,777,000
2,616
2,504,000
1,140,000

1,570,000

2,500   

2,394,500
1,017,500

1,433,000
2,608
2,571,000
905,000

Rêvatours
Revenues ($)
Employees
Travellers

Américanada
Revenues ($)
Employees

Travel agencies 
and distribution

19,600
27
7,000

19,000 
26
7,000

14,000
25
5,000

—
—

— 
— 

20,000 
—

Consultour/Transat Distribution Canada**
* * Club Voyages, exitnow.ca, TravelPlus and Voyages en Liberté
Revenues ($)
(commissions and franchise)
Outlets owned
Employees
Outlets franchised

19,600
22 
203
173

19,500
21
210
190

18,100
27
225
182

Trip Central
Revenues ($)
(commissions)
Employees
Outlets 

Other airline services

Handlex
Revenues ($)
Employees

2,800
103
16

—
—
—

—
—
—

37,000
1,024

29,000
857

25,000
861

Incoming tour operators 
and services at travel destinations

Jonview Canada***
* * *DMC Transat and Kilomètre Voyages
Revenues ($)
Employees
Travellers

117,300
169 
223,000

108,000
156 
206,000

98,000
159
196,000

Transat Holidays USA
Revenues ($)
Employees

4,400
19

5,300
18

6,100
19

(cid:1) 48

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Outgoing tour operators

Vacances Transat (France)
Revenues (B)
Employees
Travellers

128,000
187
91,000

133,000

177   

95,000

102,000
160
77,000

Look Voyages
Revenues (B)
Employees
Passengers
Travellers

Brok’Air
Revenues (B)
Employees

Bennett Voyages
Revenues (B)
Employees
Travellers

Travel agencies 
and distribution

132,000
275
65,000
129,000

179,000 
319
465,000
145,000

235,000
409
740,000
140,000

24,000
18

24,000 
14

26,000
14

7,100
26
6,000

— 
—
—

—
—
—

Club Voyages (France)
Revenues (B)
(commissions)
Employees
Outlets 

Anyway
Revenus (B)
(commissions)
Employees

8,800
170
52

8,700
167
59

8,600
178
63

—
—

—
—

8,300
—

Incoming tour operators 
and services at travel destinations

Tourgreece
Revenues (B)
Employees
Travellers

Air Consultants Europe
Revenues (B)
(commissions)
Employees
Travellers

19,000
27
65,000

2,600
21
51,000

10,400
20 
46,000

—
— 
—

—
—
—

—
—
—

Transat owns a 100% stake in its subsidiaries 
listed above with the exception of:
Air Consultants Europe (70.0%)
Jonview Canada (80.07%) 
Tourgreece (90.0%)
Trip Central (50.1%).

1 Airlines record flight segments in terms of passengers.
2 Tour operators record round-trip travellers.

Management’s report
and Auditors’ report

The consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of
management  and  have  been  approved  by  the  Board  of  Directors.
Management’s  responsibility  in  this  respect  includes  the  selection 
of appropriate accounting principles as well as the exercise of sound
judgment  in  establishing  reasonable  and  fair  estimates  in  accor-
dance  with  Canadian  generally  accepted  accounting  principles
which are adequate in the circumstances. The financial information
presented  throughout  this  annual  report  is  consistent  with  that
appearing in the financial statements.

The  Corporation  and  its  affiliated  companies  have  set  up
accounting  and  internal  control  systems  designed  to  provide  rea-
sonable  assurance  that  the  Corporation’s  assets  are  safeguarded
against loss or unauthorized use and that its books of account may
be relied upon for the preparation of financial statements.

The Board of Directors is responsible for the consolidated
financial statements through its Audit Committee. The Audit Committee
reviews the annual consolidated financial statements and recommends
their approval to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee is also
responsible  for  analyzing,  on  an  ongoing  basis,  the  results  of  the
audits by the external auditors of the accounting methods and poli-
cies  used  as  well  as  of  the  internal  control  systems  set  up  by  the
Corporation. These financial statements have been audited by Ernst
& Young LLP, the external auditors. Their report on the consolidated
financial statements appears opposite.

Jean-Marc Eustache
Chairman of the Board, 
President and 
Chief Executive Officer

François Laurin
Vice-President, Finance
and Administration
and Chief Financial Officer

To the Shareholders of Transat A.T. Inc.
We have audited the consolidated balance sheets of Transat A.T. Inc.
as  at  October  31,  2005  and  2004  and  the  consolidated  statements  of
income, retained earnings and cash flows for the years then ended. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Corporation’s management.
Our  responsibility  is  to  express  an  opinion  on  these  financial  statements
based on our audits.

We  conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally
accepted  auditing  standards.  Those  standards  require  that  we  plan  and
perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining,
on  a  test  basis,  evidence  supporting  the  amounts  and  disclosures  in  the
financial  statements.  An  audit  also  includes  assessing  the  accounting
principles  used  and  significant  estimates  made  by  management,  as  well 
as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.

In our opinion, these consolidated financial statements present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Corporation as at
October 31, 2005 and 2004 and the results of its operations and its cash
flows  for  the  years  then  ended  in  accordance  with  Canadian  generally
accepted accounting principles.

Ernst & Young LLP
Chartered Accountants

Montréal, Canada
December 16, 2005
[Except as to note 23 (a) which is as of
January 3, 2006]

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)49

Consolidated Balance Sheets
As at October 31
[In thousands of dollars]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

ASSETS
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents in trust or otherwise reserved [note 4]
Accounts receivable
Future income tax assets
Inventories
Prepaid expenses
Current portion of deposits

Total current assets
Deposits [note 5]
Future income tax assets [note 16]
Property, plant and equipment [notes 6 and 15]
Goodwill
Other assets [note 7]

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
Income taxes payable
Customer deposits and deferred income
Debentures [note 10]
Current portion of obligations under capital leases

Total current liabilities
Obligations under capital leases [note 9]
Debentures [note 10]
Provision for engine and airframe overhaul in excess of deposits
Non-controlling interest and other liabilities
Future income tax liabilities [note 16]

Shareholders’ equity
Share capital [note 11]
Convertible debentures [note 12] 
Retained earnings
Contributed surplus
Warrants [notes 10 and 11] 
Deferred translation adjustments

Commitments and contingencies [note 19]
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

293,495
182,268
69,611
70
7,524
40,576
29,259

622,803
24,127
5,106
195,131
93,741
8,629

949,537

193,277
4,763
182,752
10,000
6,199

396,991
87,414
3,156
63,809
30,833
5,051

587,254

179,438
—
183,718
531
1,187
(2,591)

362,283

949,537

310,875
157,678
72,745
586
4,053
39,729
28,830

614,496
22,111
10,656
93,128
86,966
11,032

838,389

202,337
29,455
158,396
20,058
—

410,246
—
13,156
62,818
24,036
17,027

527,283

120,306
51,092
135,322
118
3,994
274

311,106

838,389

On behalf of the Board:
Jean-Marc Eustache, Director
André Bisson, O.C., Director

(cid:1) 50

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Income
Years ended October 31 
[In thousands of dollars, except per share amounts]

Revenues

Operating expenses
Direct costs
Salaries and employee benefits
Aircraft fuel
Commissions
Aircraft maintenance
Airport and navigation fees
Aircraft rent
Other

Amortization [note 13]
Restructuring charge [note 15]
Interest on long-term debt, obligations under capital leases and debentures
Other interest and financial expenses
Interest income
Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term monetary items
Gain on disposal of investment [note 7]
Share of net loss (income) of companies subject to significant influence

Income before the following items

Income taxes (recovery) [note 16]

Current
Future

Income before non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results

Net income for the year

Basic earnings per share [note 11]
Diluted earnings per share [note 11]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

2,364,481

2,199,822

1,168,612
241,776
199,376
181,587
91,778
67,937
52,064
240,720

2,243,850

120,631

37,558
(934)
10,815
1,708
(12,963)
(2,309)
(5,747)
(461)

27,667

92,964

48,705
(12,403)

36,302

56,662
(1,246)

55,416

1.43
1.33

1,075,861
227,626
128,112
179,873
88,684
59,379
59,640
216,892

2,036,067

163,755

33,027
11,350
7,712
1,907
(11,307)
1,474
—
1,509

45,672

118,083

34,057
10,953

45,010

73,073
(753)

72,320

2.07
1.76

Consolidated Statements of Retained Earnings
Years ended October 31
[In thousands of dollars]

Retained earnings, beginning of year, as previously reported
Change in accounting policy [note 3]

Retained earnings, beginning of year
Net income for the year
Premium paid on redemption of shares [note 11]
Interest on equity component of debentures,

net of related income taxes of $648 [$1,446 in 2004]

Retained earnings, end of year

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

135,322
12,151

147,473
55,416
(17,731)

(1,440)

183,718

70,336
—

70,336
72,320
(4,161)

(3,173)

135,322

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)51

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
Years ended October 31 
[In thousands of dollars]

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income 
Operating items not involving an outlay (receipt) of cash

Amortization
Write-off of property, plant and equipment and other assets [note 15]
Foreign exchange loss (gain) on long-term monetary items
Gain on disposal of investment
Share of net loss (income) of companies subject to significant influence
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results
Future income taxes
Interest on debentures
Compensation expense related to stock option plan

Operating cash flow
Net change in non-cash working capital balances related to operations
Net change in deposits, expenses and provision for engine

and airframe overhaul

Cash flows relating to operating activities

INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Increase in deposits
Repayment of deposits
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Disposal of property, plant and equipment
Net change in other assets
Proceeds from disposal of investment
Cash and cash equivalents from acquired companies
Consideration paid for acquired companies

Cash flows relating to investing activities

FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Repayment of other long-term debt and obligations

under capital leases

Interest paid on convertible debentures
Proceeds from issuance of shares
Redemption of shares
Proceeds from issuance of a debenture
Repayment of debentures
Net change in other liabilities

Cash flows relating to financing activities

Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Supplementary information
Income taxes paid
Interest paid

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

55,416

37,558
—
(2,309)
(5,747)
(461)
1,246
(12,403)
1,807
507

75,614
(12,820)

991

63,785

(11,069)
8,601
(27,213)
5,001
(1,254)
6,900
9,637
(9,203)

(18,600)

(6,766)
(2,868)
9,988
(22,545)
—
(21,900)
6,116

(37,975)

7,210
468,553

475,763

72,486
6,226

72,320

33,027
3,031
1,474
—
1,509
753
10,953
827
145

124,039
41,991

19,070

185,100

(12,720)
4,264
(20,902)
—
3,143
—
5,905
(12,660)

(32,970)

(36,172)
(4,600)
9,718
(4,961)
3,156
(2,500)
2,657

(32,702)

119,428
349,125

468,553

4,739
10,423

(cid:1) 52

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
October 31, 2005 and 2004
[Amounts are expressed in thousands of dollars, except for share capital, 
stock option plans, warrants and amounts per share]

1

INCORPORATION AND NATURE OF BUSINESS

Transat  A.T.  Inc.  [the  “Corporation”],  incorporated  under  the  Canada  Business  Corporations  Act,  is  an 
integrated company specializing in the organization, marketing and distribution of holiday travel. The core
of its business consists of tour operators based in Canada and Europe. The Corporation is also involved
in air transportation and value-added services at travel destinations. Finally, the Corporation has secured
a dynamic presence in distribution through travel agency networks.

2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the  Corporation  have  been  prepared  by  management  in  accor-
dance with Canadian generally accepted accounting principles. The preparation of financial statements in
accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual
results  could  differ  from  those  estimates.  The  financial  statements  have,  in  management’s  opinion,  been
properly prepared within reasonable limits of materiality and within the framework of the accounting policies
summarized below.

Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Corporation and its subsidiaries.

Cash equivalents
Cash equivalents consist primarily of term deposits, bankers’ acceptances and commercial paper that are
readily  convertible  into  known  amounts  of  cash  with  initial  maturities  of  less  than  three  months.  These
investments  are  recorded  at  cost  plus  accrued  interest  and  their  carrying  value  approximates  their  fair 
market value.

Inventories
Inventories  are  valued  at  the  lower  of  cost,  determined  according  to  the  first-in,  first-out  method,  and
replacement cost.

Property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment are recorded at cost and are amortized, taking into account their residual
value, on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful life as follows:

Property under capital leases
Aircraft
Owned property, plant and equipment
Hangar and administrative buildings
Improvements to aircraft under operating leases
Aircraft equipment
Computer hardware and software
Aircraft engines
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements and other
Rotable aircraft spare parts

5 to 6 years

35 years
Lease term
5 to 10 years
3 to 7 years
Cycles used
4 to 10 years
Lease term
Use

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of net assets acquired. Goodwill is
tested for impairment annually or more often if events or changes in circumstances indicate that it might be
impaired. The impairment test consists of a comparison of the fair value of the reporting unit to which good-
will is assigned with its carrying amount. Any impairment loss in the carrying amount compared with the fair
value is charged to income in the year in which the loss is recognized. The Corporation uses the discounted
cash flow method to assess the fair value of its reporting units.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)53

2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont’d]

Other assets
Other assets consist in particular of development costs and long-term investments.

Development  costs  are  amortized  over  periods  not  exceeding  five  years.  Long-term  investments  over
which the Corporation has the ability to exercise significant influence are accounted for using the equity
method. 

Impairment of long-lived assets
Long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circum-
stances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Impairment is assessed by
comparing the carrying amount of an asset with its expected future net undiscounted cash flows from use
together with its residual value [net recoverable value]. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the
impairment  to  be  recognized  is  measured  by  the  amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount  of  the  assets
exceeds the net recoverable value. 

Deposits, expenses and provision for engine and airframe overhaul
The Corporation provides for engine and airframe overhaul expenses for its aircraft based on an estimate
of all such future expenses until the expiry of the leases for these aircraft, or for their estimated useful life
anticipated for the Corporation while held, amortized over the total number of engine cycles and the total
number of months anticipated for the airframe over the same periods.

These expenses are charged to income according to the number of cycles used or over the completed 
fiscal months, by a provision for future costs or the amortization of the capitalized overhaul costs, as the
case may be. Actual results could differ from those estimates and differences could be significant.

The  Corporation  makes  deposits  representing  a  portion  of  engine  and  airframe  overhaul  expenses  to 
certain aircraft lessors. These deposits are usually recoverable upon presentation of claims for eligible over-
haul expenses. Amounts so claimed are included in assets as “Accounts receivable.” The excess of the
provision  for  future  overhaul  expenses  over  deposits  made  and  unclaimed  is  included  in  liabilities  as
“Provision  for  engine  and  airframe  overhaul  in  excess  of  deposits.”  The  unamortized  balance  related  to
engine and airframe overhaul expenses is included, if any, in assets as “Deposits.” 

Foreign currency translation
(a) Self-sustaining foreign operations

The  Corporation  translates  the  accounts  of  its  self-sustaining  foreign  subsidiaries  using  the  current
rate  method.  All  assets  and  liabilities  of  self-sustaining  foreign  operations  are  translated  at  the
exchange  rates  in  effect  at  year-end.  Revenues  and  expenses  are  translated  at  average  rates  of
exchange during the period. Net gains or losses resulting from the translation of assets and liabilities
are shown in shareholders’ equity.

(b) Accounts and transactions in foreign currencies

The accounts and transactions of the Corporation denominated in foreign currencies are translated
using the temporal method. Under this method, monetary items on the balance sheet are translated
at the exchange rates in effect at year-end, while non-monetary items are translated at the historical
rates of exchange. Revenues and expenses are translated at the rates of exchange on the transaction
date or at the average exchange rates for the period. Gains or losses resulting from the translation are
included in the consolidated statement of income.

Stock-based compensation plans
The Corporation accounts for its stock option plan for directors, executives and employees, for stock option
awards granted after October 31, 2003, using the fair value method. The fair value of stock options at the
grant date is determined using an option pricing model. Compensation expense is recognized in income
over the vesting period of the stock options.

Prior to November 1, 2003, the Corporation accounted for its stock option plan for directors, executives and
employees as capital transactions. Accordingly, the issuance of options did not give rise to compensation
expenses. The Corporation disclosed the impact of applying the fair value-based method on pro forma net
income and pro forma earnings per share by way of a note to the consolidated financial statements for the
awards granted during 2003.

(cid:1) 54

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

2

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Cont’d]

The Corporation’s contributions to the stock ownership incentive and capital accumulation plan for officers
and the permanent stock ownership incentive plan for senior executives are recognized in income when 
the  shares  are  awarded.  No  compensation  expense  is  recognized for  the  other  plans  when  the  shares 
are issued to directors, executives and employees. Any consideration paid by directors, executives and
employees upon purchasing shares is credited to share capital.

A description of the stock-based compensation plans offered by the Corporation is included in note 11.

Revenues 
The Corporation recognizes revenues once all the significant risks and rewards of the service have been
transferred to the customer. As a result, revenues earned from passenger transportation are recorded upon
each return flight. Revenues of tour operators and the related costs are recorded at the time of the depar-
ture of the passengers. Commission revenues of travel agencies are recorded at the time of reservation.
Amounts received for services not yet rendered are included in current liabilities as “Customer deposits and
deferred income.” 

Financial instruments
The Corporation uses foreign exchange forward contracts to hedge against future currency exchange rate 
variations related to aircraft operating and capital lease payments, receipts of revenue from certain tour 
operators and disbursements pertaining to certain operating expenses in other currencies. The gains or
losses on contracts designated as hedges resulting from exchange rate variations are recorded in income
when the related hedging transactions are realized. The gains or losses on contracts not designated as
hedges or that cease being designated as such are recognized at their fair value on the balance sheet and
any subsequent change in fair value is recognized in the statement of income.

To protect itself against variations in fuel costs, the Corporation has entered into fuel price hedging contracts.
The gains or losses resulting from designated hedge contracts are recorded in fuel costs as purchases of fuel
are made.

It is the Corporation’s policy not to speculate on financial instruments; thus, these instruments are normally 
designated as hedges and maintained until maturity according to the primary objective of hedging risks.

Income taxes
The Corporation provides for income taxes using the liability method. Under this method, future income tax
assets  and  liabilities  are  calculated  based  on  differences  between  the  carrying  value  and  tax  bases  of
assets and liabilities and measured using substantively enacted tax rates and laws expected to be in effect
when the differences reverse. A valuation allowance has been recorded to the extent that it is more likely
than not that future income tax assets will not be realized.

Employee future benefits
The Corporation offers defined benefit plans to certain members of senior management. The cost of 
pension  benefits  earned  by  employees  is  determined  from  actuarial  calculations  using  the  projected 
benefit method prorated on services and management’s most likely estimate of expected plan investment
performance, salary escalation and the retirement age of employees. Plan obligations are discounted using
current market interest rates and are included in “Other liabilities.” 

Earnings per share
Earnings  per  share  are  calculated  based  on  the  weighted  average  number  of  Class  A  Variable  Voting
Shares and Class B Voting Shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share are calculated
using the treasury stock method and take into account all the elements that have a dilutive effect.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)55

3

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Consolidation of variable interest entities
On  November  1,  2004,  the  Corporation  retroactively  adopted,  without  restatement  of  prior  periods,
Accounting Guideline 15, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities” [“AcG-15”], issued by the Canadian
Institute  of  Chartered  Accountants [“CICA”].  This  new  Guideline  presents  clarification  on  the  application 
of consolidation principles to certain entities that are subject to control on a basis other than ownership 
of  voting  interests.  AcG-15  provides  guidance  for  determining  when  an  enterprise  includes  the  assets, 
liabilities and results of activities of a variable interest entity in its consolidated financial statements. As a
general rule set out in AcG-15, an enterprise should consolidate a variable interest entity when that enter-
prise has a variable interest, or combination of variable interests, that will absorb a majority of the entity’s
expected losses if they occur, receive a majority of the entity’s expected residual returns if they occur, or
both (the “primary beneficiary”).

The Corporation has conducted certain aircraft financing transactions whereby it guaranteed a portion of
the residual value at the end of the lease term involving special purpose entities. These entities are con-
sidered variable interest entities and the Corporation is considered to be the primary beneficiary thereof.
The  adoption  of  AcG-15  resulted  in  a  $12,151  increase  in  the  Corporation’s  retained  earnings  as  at
November 1, 2004, a $116,009 net increase in property, plant and equipment, and a $103,858 increase
in  liabilities,  including  $101,773  [US$83,372]  for  obligations  under  capital  leases.  The  adoption  of  this
Guideline had no impact on the Corporation’s cash flows. However, it resulted in a decline of $2,034 in net
income for the year ended October 31, 2005 and $0.05 in basic earnings per share.

Debentures 
On November 1, 2004, the Corporation retroactively adopted, with restatement of prior periods, the changes
contained in CICA Handbook Section 3861, “Financial Instruments – Disclosure and Presentation.” These
changes require that certain obligations that must or could be settled with the issuer’s own equity instru-
ments be presented as liabilities. Previously, the liability and equity components related to these obligations
had to be accounted for separately. The adoption of these changes resulted in the reclassification on the
balance sheet as at October 31, 2004, of $2,422 of the equity component of a debenture, presented in
shareholders’ equity, and now presented under debentures in long-term liabilities. The adoption of these
changes had no impact on retained earnings as at November 1, 2003, but resulted in a $131 decline in
net income and interest expense related to the equity component of debentures, presented in the consol-
idated statement of retained earnings for the year ended October 31, 2004. These changes had no impact
on basic earnings per share or on cash flows for the year ended October 31, 2004. The adoption of these
changes had no material effect on the results for the year ended October 31, 2005.

Stock-based compensation and other stock-based payments
On November 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted prospectively the amended CICA Handbook Section 3870,
“Stock-Based Compensation and Other Stock-Based Payments.” The amendments require that the fair
value-based  method  be  applied  to  awards  granted  to  employees  and  that  a  compensation  charge  be
accounted for. Enterprises are required to account for the effect of such awards in their financial statements
for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2004. Retroactive, with or without restating prior periods, or
prospective  application  is  allowed.  However,  prospective  application  is  only  available  to  enterprises  that
elect to apply the fair value-based method of accounting for fiscal years beginning before January 1, 2004.
The adoption of these amendments resulted in a reduction in net income for the year ended October 31,
2004 of $145 and a decrease in basic earnings per share of $0.01.

Hedging relationships 
On November 1, 2003, the Corporation adopted CICA Accounting Guideline 13, “Hedging Relationships”
[“AcG-13”]. AcG-13 addresses the identification, designation, documentation and effectiveness of hedging
relationships  for  hedge  accounting  purposes.  In  addition,  it  deals  with  the  discontinuance  of  hedge
accounting and establishes conditions for applying hedge accounting. Under the new Guideline, an enter-
prise  is  required  to  document  its  hedging  relationships  and  explicitly  demonstrate  that  the  hedges  are 
sufficiently effective in order to continue accrual accounting for positions hedged with derivatives. In accor-
dance with the Guideline, gains and losses related to derivatives designated as eligible for hedge account-
ing  are  booked  in  the  statement  of  income  in  the  same  period  as  for  the  hedged  item.  Derivatives  that 
are no longer eligible for hedge accounting are recorded at their fair value on the balance sheet and any 
subsequent changes in fair value are recorded in the statement of income. The adoption of this Guideline
had no impact on the Corporation’s results, financial position or cash flows.

(cid:1) 56

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

4

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS IN TRUST OR OTHERWISE RESERVED

As  at  October  31,  2005,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  in  trust  or  otherwise  reserved  included  $140,675
[$118,146 as at October 31, 2004] in funds received from customers for services not yet rendered and
$41,593 [$39,532 as at October 31, 2004] was pledged as collateral security against letters of credit and
foreign exchange forward contracts [note 18].

For its Canadian operations, the Corporation has a revolving credit facility renewable annually amounting
to $60,000. Under the terms and conditions of the agreement, funds may be drawn by issuing letters of
credit.  As  at  October  31,  2005,  letters  of  credit  had  been  issued  for  a  total  of  $39,613  [$28,679  as  at
October 31, 2004], thereby reducing the undrawn balance of the revolving term credit facility by the same
amount.

5

DEPOSITS

Deposits on leased aircraft and engines
Deposits with suppliers

Less current portion

6

PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

2005
$

10,125
43,261

53,386
29,259

24,127

2004
$

10,473
40,468

50,941
28,830

22,111

Property under capital leases
Aircraft

Owned property, plant and equipment
Hangar and administrative buildings
Improvements to aircraft under

operating leases
Aircraft equipment
Computer hardware and software
Aircraft engines
Office furniture and equipment
Leasehold improvements and other
Rotable aircraft spare parts

Accumulated amortization

Net book value

2005

Accumulated
amortization
$

Cost
$

150,937

150,937

47,579

47,579

2004

Accumulated 
amortization
$

—

—

Cost
$

—

—

844

339

7,640

2,302

23,643
35,669
87,106
20,358
24,531
21,432
25,118

238,701

389,638
194,507

195,131

10,015
29,079
63,436
6,482
18,439
11,674
7,464

146,928

194,507

6,108
26,160
50,082
5,151
16,096
10,411
5,518

121,828

121,828

19,214
33,750
70,633
20,358
20,855
18,367
24,139

214,956

214,956
121,828

93,128

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)57

7

OTHER ASSETS

Deferred costs, unamortized balance
Investments in companies subject to significant

influence and other investments

Miscellaneous

2005
$

4,380

1,071
3,178

8,629

2004
$

6,220

2,186
2,626

11,032

On February 1, 2004, the Corporation ceased being able to exercise significant influence over Star Airlines S.A.
[“Star”]. As a result, the investment in Star has been carried at its carrying value as of that date. In addi-
tion, accumulated dividends received by the Corporation subsequent to February 1, 2004 that exceed the
Corporation’s share of the earnings previously realized by Star were applied against its carrying value. During
the  year  ended  October  31,  2004,  the  Corporation  received  a  dividend  amounting  to C880  [$1,416]  of
which  C694  [$1,116]  was  recorded  in  income  and  C186  [$300]  was  applied  against  the  investment 
in Star. Previously, the investment was accounted for using the equity method.

On  June  6,  2005,  the  Corporation  sold  its  44.27%  ownership  interest  in  Star  for  a  cash  consideration 
of C4,500 [$6,900], subject to approval by authorities in France. On August 5, 2005, the French authorities
approved the transaction and, as a result, the Corporation accounted for a $5,747 gain on that date.

8

BANK LOANS
Operating lines of credit totalling C11,800 [$16,702] [C8,665 [$13,485] in 2004] have been authorized for
certain French subsidiaries. These operating lines of credit are renewable annually and were unused as at
October 31, 2005 and 2004. For the year ended October 31, 2004, operating lines of credit bore interest
at an average rate of 2.8%.

For  its  European  operations,  the  Corporation  has  guarantee  facilities  renewable  annually  amounting 
to C17,793 [$25,184] [C14,756 [$22,965] in 2004]. As at October 31, 2005, letters of guarantee had been
issued totalling C11,906 [$16,851] [C11,192 [$17,418] in 2004].

9

OBLIGATIONS UNDER CAPITAL LEASES

Obligations totalling US$57,828 related to aircraft, 

maturing in 2008

Obligations totalling US$20,311 related to an aircraft, 

maturing in 2007

Other

Less current portion

2005
$

68,243

23,969
1,401

93,613
6,199

87,414

2004
$

—

—
—

—
—

—

Obligations  under  capital  leases  related  to  aircraft  were  determined  using  the  LIBOR  rate  plus  2.1% 
to 3.7%.

Future  minimum  lease  payments  total  $109,052,  including  interest  amounting  to  $15,439,  and  are  as 
follows for the next three years: 2006 – $13,590; 2007 – $33,308 and 2008 – $62,154.

(cid:1) 58

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

10

DEBENTURES

(a) The $10,000 debenture of the subsidiary Transat Tours Canada Inc. [“Transat Tours”] bears interest at
17.5% and matures on November 1, 2005. The debenture is repayable at the option of Transat Tours
at  a  price  such  that  the  holder  earns  a  compound  annual  return  of  20.5%  from  its  issuance  on
November 1, 1995, taking into consideration annual interest already paid and recorded at a rate of 17.5%.
The debenture, if not redeemed, is convertible into 25% of the common shares of Transat Tours.

The debenture is collateralized by certain intercorporate guarantees and by a movable hypothec on
the shares of a number of the Corporation’s subsidiaries and on all of the tangible assets of the sub-
sidiary Air Transat A.T. Inc. [“Air Transat”] and of Transat Tours. Should the Corporation be subject to
a takeover bid, the lender has the option to acquire all of the outstanding shares of Transat Tours at
a price determined under an agreed formula.

On November 1, 2005, Transat Tours redeemed the $10,000 debenture.

(b)

In September 2001, a subsidiary of the Corporation issued a debenture in the amount of $2,500 bearing
interest at a rate of 8.25%. The debenture was repayable in one instalment in September 2009 in cash
or  shares  of  the  Corporation  at  the  Corporation’s  option.  The  debenture  was  also  repayable  in
advance at the subsidiary’s option as of September 2004 in return for a premium whereby the holder
would  earn  a  return  of  11.25%  from  its  issuance,  taking  into  consideration  annual  interest  already 
paid and recorded at a rate of 8.25%. On September 8, 2004, the subsidiary redeemed the debenture
in advance in accordance with the terms thereof.

(c) On January 10, 2002, the Corporation and Air Transat issued debentures to certain shareholders and
executives of the Corporation in the amount of $21,865, bearing interest at a rate of 6% and matur-
ing in January 2009. The debentures are redeemable in advance as of January 2005 in return for pay-
ment of a penalty equal to three months’ interest. The Corporation and Air Transat must also pay the
holders  a  premium  at  maturity,  upon  advance  redemption  or  at  conversion,  such  that  the  holders
would earn a compound annual return of 15%, taking into consideration interest already paid at a rate
of 6%.

In  the  course  of  this  financing,  the  Corporation  issued  1,421,225  warrants  entitling  the  holders  to 
subscribe to the same number of Class B Voting Shares of the Corporation at an exercise price of
$6.75 each. These warrants expire on January 10, 2007. 

On January 10, 2005, the Corporation redeemed these debentures with a nominal value of $21,865
in advance. The early redemption resulted in a total payment of $30,009, including accrued interest
amounting to $7,324 and an $820 penalty, which was recorded at redemption. Furthermore, this early
redemption resulted in an additional non-cash charge at the redemption date of $1,644 correspon-
ding  to  the  difference  between  the  nominal  value  of  the  debentures  and  their  carrying  amount  at 
that time.

(d) On April 6, 2004, a subsidiary of the Corporation issued a debenture in the amount of $3,156, bear-
ing interest at a rate of 6%. The debenture is repayable in one instalment in September 2009 in cash
or shares of the Corporation at the Corporation’s option. The debenture is also redeemable in advance
at the subsidiary’s option as of April 2007 in return for a premium whereby the holder would earn a
return of 9% from its issuance, taking into consideration annual interest already paid and recorded at
the rate of 6%.

1 1

SHARE CAPITAL

Authorized
Class A Variable Voting Shares
An  unlimited  number  of  Class  A  Variable  Voting  Shares  [“Class  A  Shares”],  participating,  which  may  be
owned or controlled by non-Canadians as defined by the Canada Transportation Act [“CTA”], carrying one
vote per Class A Share unless (i) the number of issued and outstanding Class A Shares exceeds 25% of
the total number of all issued and outstanding voting shares (or any higher percentage that the Governor
in Council may specify pursuant to the CTA); or (ii) the total number of votes cast by or on behalf of hold-
ers of Class A Shares at any meeting exceeds 25% (or any higher percentage that the Governor in Council
may specify pursuant to the CTA) of the total number of votes that may be cast at such meeting.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)59

1 1

SHARE CAPITAL [Cont’d]

If either of the above-noted thresholds is surpassed, the vote attached to each Class A Share will decrease
automatically, without further act or formality. Under the circumstance described in subparagraph (i) above,
the Class A Shares as a class cannot carry more than 25% (or any higher percentage that the Governor
in Council may specify pursuant to the CTA) of the aggregate votes attached to all issued and outstand-
ing voting shares of the Corporation. Under the circumstance described in subparagraph (ii) above, the
Class A Shares as a class cannot, for a given shareholders’ meeting, carry more than 25% (or any higher
percentage that the Governor in Council may specify pursuant to the CTA) of the total number of votes that
can be exercised at the said meeting.

Each issued and outstanding Class A Share shall be automatically converted into one Class B Voting Share
without any further act on the part of the Corporation or of the holder if (i) the Class A Share is or becomes
owned and controlled by a Canadian as defined by the CTA; or (ii) the provisions contained in the CTA 
relating to foreign ownership restrictions are repealed and not replaced with other similar provisions.

Class B Voting Shares
An unlimited number of Class B Voting Shares [“Class B Shares”], participating, which may be owned and 
controlled by Canadians as defined by the CTA only and shall confer the right to one vote per Class B
Share at all meetings of shareholders of the Corporation.

Each issued and outstanding Class B Share shall be converted into one Class A Share automatically without
any further act on the part of the Corporation or the holder if the Class B Share is or becomes owned or 
controlled by a non-Canadian as defined by the CTA.

Preferred shares
An unlimited number of preferred shares, non-voting, issuable in series, each series bearing the number of
shares, designation, rights, privileges, restrictions and conditions as determined by the Board of Directors.

Issued and outstanding
On March 4, 2005, the Corporation’s common shares were restructured into two classes of shares: Class
A Shares and Class B Shares. Each issued and outstanding share that was not owned or controlled by a
Canadian  as  defined  by  the  CTA  was  converted  into  one  Class  A  Share  of  the  share  capital  of  the
Corporation  and  cancelled.  Each  issued  and  outstanding  share  owned  and  controlled  by  a  Canadian 
as  defined  by  the  CTA  was  converted  into  one  Class  B  Share  of  the  share  capital  of  the  Corporation 
and cancelled. Immediately following the conversion, the number of Class A Shares and Class B Shares
amounted to 7,818,212 and 27,228,227 respectively. The unissued common shares of the Corporation
were cancelled and the Class A Shares and Class B Shares were substituted for the exercise of all rights
to subscribe, purchase or convert the common shares thus cancelled.

The changes affecting the Class A Shares and the Class B Shares were as follows:

Number of shares

$

Balance as at October 31, 2003
Issued from treasury
Exercise of options
Conversion of warrants
Conversion of debentures
Repurchase and cancellation of shares

Balance as at October 31, 2004
Issued from treasury
Exercise of options
Conversion of warrants
Conversion of debentures
Repurchase and cancellation of shares

Balance as at October 31, 2005

32,863,553
44,047
1,231,541
44,200
1,484
(230,000)

33,954,825
23,102
456,992
967,550
5,835,081
(1,081,100)

40,156,450

111,247
602
8,817
427
13
(800)

120,306
477
3,074
9,338
51,057
(4,814)

179,438

As at October 31, 2005, the number of Class A Shares and Class B Shares amounted to 7,598,306 and
32,558,144 respectively.

(cid:1) 60

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

1 1

SHARE CAPITAL [Cont’d]

Normal course issuer bid 
On June 13, 2005, the Corporation renewed its normal course issuer bid, which began on June 15, 2004,
for  a  12-month  period.  With  this  renewal,  the  Corporation  intends  to  purchase  for  cancellation  up  to  a 
maximum of 3,935,000 Class A Shares and Class B Shares, representing less than 10% of the issued and
outstanding Class A Shares and Class B Shares at the offer date [1,662,847 common shares representing
5% of the issued and outstanding common shares as at June 15, 2004]. Shares are purchased at market
prices plus brokerage fees.

In accordance with its normal course issuer bid, the Corporation redeemed, during the year ended October
31, 2005, a total of 1,081,100 voting shares, consisting of Class A Shares and Class B Shares, for a cash
consideration of $22,545 [230,000 common shares for a cash consideration of $4,961 in 2004].

Subscription rights plan
At the annual meeting held on April 27, 2005, the shareholders ratified the renewal, by the Corporation, of
a  shareholders’  subscription  rights  plan  [“rights  plan”].  The  rights  plan  entitles  holders  of  Class  A  and 
Class  B  Shares  to  acquire,  under  certain  conditions,  additional  shares  at  a  price  equal  to  50%  of  their 
market value at the time the rights are exercised. The rights plan is designed to give the Board of Directors
time to consider offers, thus allowing shareholders to receive full and fair value for their shares. The rights
plan  will  terminate  at  the  annual  shareholders’  meeting  in  2008,  unless  it  is  terminated  earlier  by  the
Corporation’s Board of Directors.

Share purchase plan
A share purchase plan is available to eligible employees of the Corporation and its subsidiaries. Under the
plan, as at October 31, 2005, the Corporation was authorized to issue up to 649,875 Class B Shares. The
plan allows each eligible employee to purchase shares for a subscription limit up to 10% of his or her annu-
al salary in effect at the time of the subscription. The purchase price of the shares under the plan is equal
to the weighted average price of the Class B Shares during the five trading days prior to the issue of the
shares, less 10%.

During the year, the Corporation issued 23,102 Class B Shares [44,047 common shares in 2004] for a total
of $477 [$602 in 2004] under the share purchase plan.

Stock ownership incentive and capital accumulation plan
Subject  to  participation  in  the  share  purchase  plan  offered  to  all  eligible  employees  of  the  Corporation, 
the  Corporation  attributes  annually  to  each  eligible  officer  a  number  of  Class  B  Shares,  the  aggregate 
subscription price of which is equal to an amount ranging from 25% to 50% of the maximum percentage
of salary contributed, which may not exceed 4% thereof. Shares so attributed by the Corporation will vest
gradually to the eligible officer, subject to the eligible officer’s retaining, during the first six months of the 
vesting period, all the shares subscribed for under the Corporation’s share purchase plan. 

Permanent stock ownership incentive plan
Subject to participation in the share purchase plan offered to all eligible employees of the Corporation, the
Corporation attributes annually to each eligible senior executive a number of Class B Shares, the aggregate
subscription  price  of  which  is  equal  to  the  maximum  percentage  of  salary  contributed,  which  may  not
exceed 10% thereof. Shares so attributed by the Corporation will vest gradually to the eligible senior exec-
utive, subject to the senior executive’s retaining, during the vesting period, all the shares subscribed for
under the Corporation’s share purchase plan. 

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)61

1 1

SHARE CAPITAL [Cont’d]

Stock option plan 
Options  are  granted  under  a  stock  option  plan  for  directors,  executives  and  employees.  Under  the
plan,  as  at  October  31,  2005,  the  Corporation  may  grant  1,034,296  additional  Class  A  or  Class  B
Shares to eligible persons at a share price equal to the weighted average price of the shares during
the  five  trading  days  prior  to  the  granting  of  the  options.  Options  granted  may  be  exercised  during 
a  ten-year  period  subject  to  a  maximum  of  one-third  during  the  first  two  years  after  the  grant  date, 
an additional third in the third year and a final third after the start of the fourth year. The tables below
summarize all outstanding options:

Number
of options

2005

Weighted
average price
$

Number
of options

2004

Weighted 
average price
$

1,125,678
127,383
(456,992)
—

796,069

7.69
22.27
6.52
—

10.69

2,281,666
171,500
(1,231,541)
(95,947)

1,125,678

6.75
16.06
7.14
7.33

7.69

369,947

10.19

455,461

9.20

Beginning of the year
Granted
Exercised
Cancelled

End of the year

Options exercisable 

at the end of the year

2005

Outstanding options

Exercisable Options

Range
of exercise prices
$

to 4.50
3.00
to 6.00
4.51
to  7.50
6.01
to  9.00
7.51
9.01
to  11.50
15.68 to  22.34

Number of
outstanding 
options as at 
October 31, 2005

261,783
3,333
81,039
30,706
133,865
285,343

796,069

Weighted
average
remaining 
life

7.5 years
7.0 years
5.9 years
4.5 years
5.4 years
9.0 years

Weighted
average
price
$

3.81
5.80
6.89
7.97
9.81
18.85

10.69

Number  
of options 
exercisable as at 
October 31, 2005

54,727
3,333
81,039
30,706
118,865
81,277

369,947

Weighted
average 
price
$

3.82
5.80
6.89
7.27
9.85
19.29

10.19

Compensation expense related to stock option plan
During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2005,  the  Corporation  granted  127,383  [171,500  in  2004]  stock
options to certain key employees and to its directors. The average fair value of each option granted was
estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The assumptions used and
the weighted average fair value of the options on the date of grant are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Weighted average grant-date fair value

2005

4.12%
6 years
54.7%
—
$22.27

2004

4.82%
6 years
56%
—
$8.99

During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2005,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  compensation  expense  of  $507
[$145  in  2004],  of  which  $95  [$27  in  2004]  was  recorded  in  share  capital  subsequent  to  the  exercise 
of options.

(cid:1) 62

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

1 1

SHARE CAPITAL [Cont’d]

Pro forma disclosure of fair value of stock options
Prior to November 1, 2003, the Corporation accounted for options granted under its stock option
plan as capital transactions. The following table shows what the impact on the financial statements
would have been had the Corporation recorded the options granted between November 1, 2002 and
October 31, 2003 using the fair value method. The pro forma figures do not take into account stock
options granted prior to November 1, 2002.

Net income
Adjustment – stock-based compensation

Pro forma net income

Pro forma basic earnings per share
Pro forma diluted earnings per share

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

55,416
(292)

55,124

1.42
1.33

72,320
(291)

72,029

2.06
1.75

The assumptions used and the weighted average fair value of the options on the date of grant for the year
ended October 31, 2003 are as follows:

Risk-free interest rate
Expected life
Expected volatility
Dividend yield
Weighted average grant-date fair value

4.73%
6 years
55%
—
$2.09

Warrants
On January 10, 2002, the Corporation granted 1,421,225 warrants [note 10 (c)]. As at October 31, 2005,
the  balance  of  the  warrants  amounted  to  409,475  [1,377,025  as  at  October  31,  2004]  and  967,550 
warrants were exercised during the year [44,200 in 2004].

Basic earnings per share and diluted earnings per share were computed as follows:

[In thousands, except per share amounts]

NUMERATOR
Net income
Interest on convertible debentures

Income attributable to voting shareholders
Interest on convertible debentures
Interest on debentures that may be settled in voting shares

Income used to calculate diluted earnings per share

DENOMINATOR
Weighted average number of outstanding shares

Effect of dilutive securities
Convertible debentures
Debentures that may be settled in voting shares
Stock options
Warrants

2005
$

2004
$
[restated – note 3]

55,416
(1,440)

53,976
1,440
129

55,545

72,320
(3,173)

69,147
3,173
95

72,415

37,863

33,374

2,668
135
612
406

5,841
211
918
812

Adjusted weighted average number of outstanding shares

used in computing diluted earnings per share

41,684

41,156

Basic earnings per share 
Diluted earnings per share

1.43
1.33

2.07
1.76

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)63

12

CONVERTIBLE DEBENTURES 

On February 19, 2002, the Corporation issued $51,105 of convertible unsecured subordinated debentures
maturing  on  March  1,  2007.  The  debentures  bore  interest  at  9%,  payable  semi-annually  in  cash  or  in 
common shares of the Corporation, at its option. The debentures were convertible into common shares of
the Corporation, at a conversion price of $8.75 per share, at the holder’s option at any time. During the
year ended October 31, 2004, debentures totalling $13 were converted into 1,484 common shares of the
Corporation.

On or after March 1, 2005 and prior to March 1, 2006, the debentures were redeemable at par by the
Corporation  provided  its  common  shares  were  traded  at  a  price  of  $10.94  or  more  for  20  consecutive 
trading days before the notice of redemption. After March 1, 2006, the debentures were redeemable at
par. The Corporation had the option to repay the debentures, in whole or in part, in cash or by delivering
a number of common shares obtained by dividing the principal amount of the debentures by 95% of the
market price of the Corporation’s shares at the redemption date or at maturity.

The  Corporation,  under  its  normal  course  issuer  bid  that  started  on  June  15,  2004  [see  note  11],  was 
entitled  to  repurchase  and  cancel  up  to  a  maximum  of  $2,555  in  convertible  subordinated  unsecured
debentures  of  the  Corporation,  representing  approximately  5%  of  such  floating  debentures  at  the  offer
date. The debentures could be repurchased at market prices plus brokerage fees. The Company did not
repurchase any convertible debentures in connection with its normal course issuer bid.

On March 24, 2005, the Corporation sent a redemption notice to the holders of its convertible unsecured
subordinated debentures. Under the notice, on April 25, 2005, the Corporation redeemed, at their nomi-
nal value, $35 of such debentures, representing all outstanding debentures as at that date. During the year
ended October 31, 2005, but prior to the redemption date, a total of $51,057 in convertible debentures
was converted into 5,835,081 shares, consisting of Class A Shares and Class B Shares.

1 3

AMORTIZATION

Property, plant and equipment
Other assets

1 4

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

2005
$

36,991
567

37,558

2004
$

30,312
2,715

33,027

During the years ended October 31, 2004 and 2005, the Corporation acquired several businesses. These
acquisitions were recorded using the purchase method. The results of these businesses were included in
the Corporation’s results as of their respective dates of acquisition.

On November 1, 2004, the Corporation acquired a 70% ownership interest in Air Consultants Europe [“ACE”],
a  Dutch  outgoing  tour  operator,  for  a  total  consideration  of  C1,050  [$1,634].  A  cash  consideration  of 
C950  [$1,473]  was  paid  on  the  date  of  acquisition.  The  balance  of  C100  is  payable  in  two  staggered 
instalments through November 1, 2006. As a result of this acquisition, goodwill increased by $1,579.

On May 1, 2005, the Corporation acquired a 50.1% ownership interest in Travel Superstore Inc., a Canadian
company operating a travel agency network, for a cash consideration of $4,478. As a result of this acqui-
sition, goodwill increased by $2,799.

On June 26, 2005, the Corporation acquired all of the outstanding shares of Bennett Voyages, a French out-
going tour operator, for a total consideration of C1,773 [$2,629]. A cash consideration of C1,075 [$1,594]
was paid on the date of acquisition. The balance of C698 [$1,035] is payable in staggered monthly instal-
ments through December 31, 2006. As a result of this acquisition, goodwill increased by $1,971.

(cid:1) 64

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

1 4

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS [Cont’d]

On August 1, 2005, the Corporation acquired the assets of Blenus Travel Service Limited and Fundy Travel
Limited, both Canadian companies operating a travel agency network, for a total consideration of $1,259.
On the date of acquisition, a cash consideration of $260 was paid and the balance of $999 is payable over
a five-year period without interest. As a result of this acquisition, goodwill increased by $1,117.

On October 31, 2005, the Corporation acquired the assets of Turissimo Caribe & Excursiones C. Por A.,
an incoming tour operator in the Dominican Republic, for a cash consideration of US$1,185 [$1,398]. As
a result of this acquisition, goodwill increased by $1,075.

On April 8, 2004, the Corporation acquired the balance of the outstanding shares [50%] of the Canadian
incoming  tour  operator  Jonview  Corporation  [“Jonview”]  for  a  total  consideration  of  $12,771,  including
acquisition costs of $113. A cash amount of $9,593 was paid at the closing of the transaction and the 
balance of $3,065 will be paid in cash in three instalments through September 2006. The minority share-
holder’s portion was financed, in part, by the issuance of a debenture [see note 10 (d)]. Prior to April 8,
2004, the results were recorded on a proportionate consolidation basis. Subsequent to these transactions,
the Corporation now holds an 80.1% interest in Jonview. As a result of this acquisition, goodwill increased
by $11,956.

On June 10, 2004, the Corporation acquired an additional 50% interest in Tourgreece S.A. [“Tourgreece”],
an incoming tour operator in Greece, for a total cash consideration of  C1,797 [$2,954], including acquisition
costs of  C219 [$354]. The acquisition was accounted for as a step acquisition using the purchase method.
As a result of the acquisition of the Corporation’s interests in Tourgreece, goodwill increased by $6,996.
Prior to June 10, 2004, the results were recorded using the equity method. Subsequent to this transac-
tion, the Corporation now holds a 90% interest in Tourgreece. Under the agreement, the Corporation has
a call option to acquire the balance of shares at any time prior to 2011.

The Corporation’s share in business acquisitions is summarized as follows:

Assets acquired
Cash and cash equivalents
Other current assets
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill

Liabilities assumed
Current liabilities
Long-term debt

Net assets acquired at fair value

2005
$

7,025
14,912
699
8,541

31,177

19,523
256

19,779

11,398

2004
$

3,764
2,598
841
15,294

22,497

6,564
208

6,772

15,725

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)65

1 5

RESTRUCTURING CHARGE

2004 restructuring program
During  the  year  ended  October  31,  2004,  the  Corporation  recorded  a  restructuring  charge  totalling
$11,350  related  to  its  restructuring  program,  which  aimed  to  change  the  management  structure  and 
reposition the Corporation’s subsidiary Look Voyages S.A.

The amount recorded included a cash charge of $8,319 and a write-off of property, plant and equipment
and  other  assets  of  $3,031.  The  cash  charge  consisted  mainly  of  employee  termination  benefits  and 
contract termination costs. 

In 2005, the execution of the restructuring initiatives approved during the year ended October 31, 2004
resulted in a reversal of $934. This reversal was mostly due to lower reallocation and employee training
fees, as required by French authorities, lower than expected negotiation fees on the cancellation of contracts
and earlier than expected departures of certain employees.

The  following  table  highlights  the  activity  and  balance  of  the  2004  restructuring  provision  for  the  years
ended October 31, 2004 and 2005.

Employee  

termination
benefits
$

Contract  

termination
costs
$

Write-off of
property, plant   
and equipment 
and other assets
$

Other
costs
$

Total
$

Amount incurred during

the year ended 
October 31, 2004

Cumulative drawdowns:

Cash
Non-cash

Balance as at 

October 31, 2004

Cash drawdowns
Provision reversal
Translation adjustment

Balance as at 

October 31, 2005

4,590

2,526

3,031

1,203

11,350

—
—

4,590

4,071
230
47

—
—

2,526

992
287
129

242

1,118

—
3,031

—

—
—
—

—

88
—

1,115

393
417
69

236

88
3,031

8,231

5,456
934
245

1,596

2003 restructuring program
During the year ended October 31, 2003, the Corporation recorded a restructuring charge totalling $47,972
before income taxes. This program included a change in the management structure and a reorganization that
affected both the nature and focus of its operations in France and Canada.

The amount recorded included a cash charge of $13,489 and a write-off of property, plant and equipment
and other assets totalling $34,483. The cash charge consisted mainly of employment termination benefits
and contract termination costs.

The  write-off  of  property,  plant  and  equipment  and  other  assets  arose  primarily  from  the  gradual 
phase-out of the six Lockheed L-1011-500 aircraft of the Corporation through April 30, 2004. This amount
included $21,462 in the form of a write-off for the three aircraft that ceased operations in September 2003,
as well as $12,253 for an impairment write-down corresponding to the excess of the carrying amount, at
the time recoverability is assessed, over the fair value of long-lived assets calculated using the estimated
future cash flows directly related to the three remaining aircraft phased out by April 30, 2004.

The  following  table  highlights  the  activity  and  balance  of  the  2003  restructuring  provision  for  the  years
ended October 31, 2004 and 2005.

Employee
termination benefits
$

Contract  
termination costs 
$

Balance as at October 31, 2003
Cash drawdowns

Balance as at October 31, 2004
Cash drawdowns

Balance as at October 31, 2005

5,614
2,341

3,273
1,689

1,584

50
—

50
50

—

Other
costs
$

440
47

393
393

—

Total
$

6,104
2,388

3,716
2,132

1,584

(cid:1) 66

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

1 6

INCOME TAXES

Income taxes as presented differ from the amount calculated by applying the statutory income tax rates to
income before income taxes and non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results.

The reasons for this difference and the effect on income tax expense are detailed as follows:

Income taxes at the statutory rate
Change in income taxes arising from 

the following:

Non-deductible items
Recognition of previously unrecorded

tax benefits

Unrecorded tax benefits
Valuation allowance
Other

2005
$

30,802

%

33.1

2004

$

37,947

%

32.1

900

1.0

898

0.8

(2,269)
1,165
5,591
113

36,302

(2.4)
1.3
6.0
0.1

39.1

(598)
6,887
—
(124)

45,010

(0.5)
5.8
—
(0.1)

38.1

The tax effects of temporary differences giving rise to future income tax assets and liabilities are as follows:

Future income taxes
Net operating loss carry-forwards and other tax deductions
Carrying amount of capital assets over tax basis
Non-deductible reserves and provisions
Other

Total future income taxes
Valuation allowance

Net future income tax assets (liabilities)

Current future income tax assets
Long-term future income tax assets
Long-term future income tax liabilities

Net future income tax assets (liabilities)

2005
$

20,574
(25,089)
27,317
(1,007)

21,795
(21,670)

125

70
5,106
(5,051)

125

2004
$

25,896
(16,848)
5,324
(550)

13,822
(19,607)

(5,785)

586
10,656
(17,027)

(5,785)

Non-capital losses carried forward and other temporary differences, which are available to reduce future
taxable  income  of  certain  subsidiaries  in  Europe,  for  which  no  related  income  tax  benefits  have  been 
recognized, amounted to C40,545 [$57,388] as at October 31, 2005 [C32,401 [$50,425] as at October
31, 2004]; these losses and differences have no expiry date.

Undistributed earnings of the Corporation’s foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely
reinvested and, accordingly, no provision for income taxes has been provided thereon. Upon distribution 
of these  earnings  in  the  form  of  dividends  or  otherwise,  the  Corporation  may  be  subject  to  withholding
taxes.

During the year ended October 31, 2004, the Corporation recognized a tax savings totalling $1,420 
as  a  reduction of goodwill. This savings was not recognized when the purchase price of an acquisition 
was allocated.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)67

1 7

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS AND BALANCES

In the normal course of its operations, the Corporation enters into transactions with related companies.
These transactions are measured at the exchange amount, which is the amount of consideration determined
and agreed to by the related parties. Significant transactions between related companies are as follows: 

Revenues from companies subject to significant influence
Operating expenses incurred from companies subject 

to significant influence

2005
$

3,002

3,996

2004
$

3,897

90,691

Operating expenses consist primarily of the purchase of airplane seats.

The  balances  receivable  from  and  payable  to  related  companies  included  in  accounts  receivable  and
accounts payable and accrued liabilities are as follows:

Accounts receivable from companies subject to significant influence
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities due to companies

subject to significant influence

2005
$

240

202

2004
$

984

782

1 8

EMPLOYEE FUTURE BENEFITS

As at October 31, 2005, accrued benefit obligations and the actuarial deficit amounted to $11,739 [$5,348
as at October 31, 2004]. For the year ended October 31, 2005, the pension expense totalled $2,400 [$811
for the year ended October 31, 2004]. The Corporation issued a letter of credit to the trustee in the amount
of $11,090 in order to guarantee its benefit obligations [note 4].

1 9

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

(a) The  Corporation’s  commitments  under  operating  leases  relating  to  aircraft,  buildings,  automotive
equipment, telephone systems, maintenance contracts and office premises amounted to $338,115,
broken down as follows: $99,150, US$195,669 and C5,692.

The annual instalments to be made under these leases during the next five years are as follows:

2006
2007
2008
2009
2010

$
68,604
63,664
59,833
50,515
27,454

(b)

In 2009, the minority shareholder in Jonview’s parent company may require the Corporation to buy
the shares of Jonview’s parent company which it holds at a price equal to the fair market value. The
price paid may be settled, at the Corporation’s option, in cash or by a share issue.

(c) The minority shareholder of ACE could require, between now and 2007, that the Corporation acquires
the shares of ACE that it holds according to a predetermined pricing formula calling for a cash settle-
ment.

(d) The minority shareholders of Travel Superstore Inc. could require, between 2011 and 2015, that the
Corporation acquires the shares of Travel Superstore Inc. that they hold at a price equal to their fair
market value and payable in cash.

(e)

In the normal course of its operations, the Corporation is exposed to various claims and legal pro-
ceedings.  These  disputes  often  involve  numerous  uncertainties  and  the  outcome  of  the  individual
cases is unpredictable. According to management, these claims and proceedings are adequately pro-
vided for or covered by insurance policies and their settlement should not have a significant negative
impact on the Corporation’s financial position.

(cid:1) 68

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

2 0

GUARANTEES

In the normal course of business, the Corporation has entered into agreements that contain features which
meet the definition of a guarantee. These agreements provide indemnification and guarantees to counter-
parties in transactions such as operating leases, irrevocable letters of credit and security contracts.

These  agreements  may  require  the  Corporation  to  compensate  the  counterparties  for  costs  and  losses
incurred as a result of various events, including breaches of representations and warranties, loss of or damages
to property and claims that may arise while providing services and environmental liabilities.

Notes 4, 8, 9, 10 and 19 to the financial statements provide information relating to some of these agreements.
The following constitutes additional disclosure.

Operating leases
The  Corporation’s  subsidiaries  have  general  indemnity  clauses  in  many  of  their  airport  and  other  real 
estate leases whereby they, as lessee, indemnify the lessor against liabilities related to the use of the leased
property. These leases mature at various dates through 2034. The nature of the agreements varies based
on  the  contracts  and  therefore  prevents  the  Corporation  from  estimating  the  total  potential  amount  its 
subsidiaries  would  have  to  pay  to  lessors.  Historically,  the  Corporation’s  subsidiaries  have  not  made 
any  significant  payments  under  such  agreements  and  have  liability  insurance  protecting  them  for  the 
obligations undertaken.

Irrevocable letters of credit
The Corporation has entered into irrevocable letters of credit with some of its suppliers. The Corporation
guarantees the payment of certain tourist services such as hotel rooms whether it sells the services or not.
These agreements, which are entered into for significant blocks of tourist services, typically cover a one-
year period and are renewable. The Corporation has also issued letters of credit to provincial regulatory
agencies in Ontario and British Columbia guaranteeing amounts to the Corporation’s clients for the
performance of its obligations. In addition to the letters of credit and security contracts mentioned in notes
4 and 8, the other offered guarantees totalled $387 as at October 31, 2005. Historically, the Corporation
has not made any significant payments under such letters of credit. 

Security contracts
The Corporation has entered into security contracts whereby it has guaranteed a prescribed amount to its
clients at the request of regulatory agencies for the performance of the obligations included in mandates
by its clients during the term of the licenses granted to the Corporation for its travel agent and wholesaler
activities in the province of Québec. These agreements typically cover a one-year period and are renewable
annually. As at October 31, 2005, the amount guaranteed totalled $1,260. Historically, the Corporation has
not made any significant payments under such agreements.

As  at  October  31,  2005,  no  amounts  have  been  accrued  with  respect  to  the  above-mentioned
agreements.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)69

2 1

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

In the normal course of its operations, the Corporation is exposed to risks related to exchange rate varia-
tions for certain currencies and fuel cost variations. The Corporation manages these risks by entering into
various financial instruments. The Corporation’s management is responsible for determining the acceptable
level of risk and only uses financial instruments to hedge existing commitments or obligations and not to
realize a profit on trading operations.

Credit risk related to financial instruments
The  theoretical  risk  to  which  the  Corporation  is  exposed  in  relation  to  financial  instruments  is  limited  to 
the replacement cost of contracts at market rates in effect in the event of default by one of the parties.
Management is of the opinion that the credit risk related to financial instruments is well controlled because
the Corporation only enters into agreements with large financial institutions and multinational companies.

Management of fuel price and foreign exchange
The Corporation has entered into fuel purchasing contracts to manage fuel price fluctuation risks. As at
October 31, 2005, 39% of the estimated requirements for fiscal 2006 were covered by fuel purchasing
contracts [9% of the requirements for fiscal 2005 were covered as at October 31, 2004].

The Corporation has entered into foreign exchange forward contracts, expiring in less than one year, for
the purchase and sale of foreign currencies to manage foreign exchange risks. As at October 31, 2005,
the face value of these contracts to purchase foreign currencies amounted to $427,085 [$334,754 as at
October 31, 2004].

The fair value of financial instruments generally reflects the estimated amounts that the Corporation would
receive from settlements of favourable contracts or that it would be required to pay to cancel unfavourable
contracts  at  year-end.  These  estimated  fair  values  are  based  on  the  rates  obtained  from  large  financial
institutions and multinational companies. As at October 31, 2005 and 2004, the fair values in the event of
a settlement are as follows:

Foreign exchange forward contracts
Fuel purchase contracts

2005

2004

Favourable
$

Unfavourable
$

Favourable
$

Unfavourable 
$

1,095
1,791

2,886

9,400
2,972

12,372

122
4,640

4,762

29,764
—

29,764

Credit risk
The  Corporation  believes  it  is  not  exposed  to  a  significant  concentration  of  credit  risk.  Cash  and  cash
equivalents  are  invested  on  a  diversified  basis  in  corporations  benefiting  from  an  excellent  credit  rating.
Accounts receivable generally arise from the sale of vacation packages to individuals through retail travel
agencies and the sale of seats to tour operators which are dispersed over a wide geographic area. As at
October 31, 2005 and 2004, no debtor represented more than 10% of the total accounts receivable.

Fair value of financial instruments presented on the balance sheets
Due to the short-term nature of current financial assets and liabilities reflected on the consolidated balance
sheets, their carrying amount approximates their fair value.

Due to the nature of obligations under capital leases presented in the consolidated balance sheets, their
carrying amount approximates their fair value.

The  fair  value  of  the  debentures  could  not  be  determined  with  sufficient  reliability  due  to  their  specific
nature.

(cid:1) 70

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

2 2

SEGMENT DISCLOSURE

The Corporation has determined that it conducts its activities in a single industry segment, namely holiday
travel. Therefore, the statements of income include all the required information. With respect to geograph-
ic areas, the Corporation operates mainly in North America and in Europe. Geographic intersegment sales
are accounted for at prices that take into account market conditions and other considerations.

2005
Revenues from third parties
Operating expenses

Amortization
Restructuring charge
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment and goodwill

2004
Revenues from third parties
Operating expenses

Amortization
Restructuring charge
Additions to property, plant and equipment
Property, plant and equipment and goodwill

North America
$

1,896,487
1,776,811

119,676

34,200
—
26,042
234,882

1,673,530
1,495,971

177,559

28,585
—
19,819
127,485

Europe
$

467,994
467,039

955

3,358
(934)
1,171
53,990

526,292
540,096

(13,804)

4,442
11,350
1,083
52,609

Total
$

2,364,481
2,243,850

120,631

37,558
(934)
27,213
288,872

2,199,822
2,036,067

163,755

33,027
11,350
20,902
180,094

2 3

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

(a) On November 14, 2005, the Corporation announced an issuer bid to repurchase and cancel Class A
Shares  and  Class  B  Shares.  A  maximum  of  7,142,857  shares,  or  approximately  18%  of  the
Corporation’s  40,156,450  issued  and  outstanding  Class  A  Shares  and  Class  B  Shares  could  have
been repurchased at a price of not less than $17.50 per share and not more than $20.00 per share,
for a total of $125,000. The bid was expiring on December 22, 2005.

In accordance with its issuer bid, the Corporation redeemed, on January 3, 2006, a total of 6,443,299
voting shares, consisting of 1,780,797 Class A Shares and 4,662,502 Class B Shares, for a cash 
consideration of $125,000.

(b) On December 1, 2005, the Corporation completed the acquisition of the assets of 20 Carlson Wagonlit

Travel agencies in France, for a cash consideration of C2,900 [$3,990].

2 4

COMPARATIVE FIGURES 

Certain  comparative  figures  were  reclassified  to  conform  to  the  presentation  adopted  in  the  current
year.

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)71

Supplementary Financial Data
[In thousands of dollars, except per share data]

Consolidated statements of income

Revenues
Operating expenses

Expenses and other income

Amortization
Restructuring charge
Interest on long-term debt, obligations under capital leases and debentures
Other interest and financial expenses
Interest income
Foreign exchange (gain) loss on long-term monetary items
Gain on disposal of investments
Share of net (income) loss of companies subject to significant influence

Income (loss) before the following items

Income taxes (recovery)
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries’ results

Income (loss) before goodwill charges

Goodwill charges

Income (loss) from continuing operations for the year
Income (loss) from discontinued operations for the year
Net income (loss) for the year

Basic earnings (loss) per share
Before goodwill charges
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Diluted earnings (loss) per share 1
Before goodwill charges
Continuing operations
Discontinued operations

Cash flows from:

Operating activities (continuing operations)
Investing activities (continuing operations)
Financing activities (continuing operations)

Net change in cash and cash equivalents from continuing operations
Net change in cash and cash equivalents from discontinued operations
Net change in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

Operating cash flow
Total assets
Long-term debt and obligations under capital leases (including current portion)
Debentures
Shareholders’ equity
Debt ratio 2
Book value per share
Return on weighted average shareholders’ equity

Shareholding statistics (in thousands)

Outstanding shares at year-end
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (before dilution)
Weighted average number of outstanding shares (after dilution) 1

1 See note 11 to audited consolidated financial statements.
2 Represents liabilities over liabilities plus shareholders’ equity.

(cid:1) 72

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

2,364,481
2,243,850
120,631

2,199,822
2,036,067
163,755

2,096,649
2,021,687
74,962

2,073,508
1,999,360
74,148

2,121,886
2,063,863
58,023

37,558
(934)
10,815
1,708
(12,963)
(2,309)
(5,747)
(461)
27,667
92,964
36,302
(1,246)
55,416
—
55,416
—
55,416

1.43
1.43
—
1.43

1.33
1.33
—
1.33

63,785
(18,600)
(37,975)
7,210
—
7,210

475,763

75,614
949,537
93,613
13,156
362,383
0.62
9.02
16.03%

40,156
37,863
41,684

33,027
11,350
7,712
1,907
(11,307)
1,474
—
1,509
45,672
118,083
45,010
(753)
72,320
—
72,320
—
72,320

2.07
2.07
—
2.07

1.76
1.76
—
1.76

185,100
(32,970)
(32,702)
119,428

—  

119,428

468,553

124,039
838,389
— 
33,214
311,106
0.63
9.16
25.11%

33,955
33,374
41,156

42,138
47,972
9,839
3,071
(9,530)
(3,873)
—
(673)
88,944
(13,982)
(5,533)
(766)
(9,215)
—
(9,215)
54,083
44,868

(0.38)
(0.38)
1.65
1.27

(0.38)
(0.38)
1.65
1.27

71,697
(4,275)
(56,278)
11,144
77,858
89,002

349,125

52,795
714,757
35,350
31,731
239,596
0.66
7.29
19.32%

32,864
32,796
32,796

43,189
—
12,491
4,563
(5,628)
(984)
—
(919)
52,712
21,436
9,649
(182)
11,605
—
11,605
(1,853)
9,752

0.30
0.30
(0.06)
0.24

0.30
0.30
(0.06)
0.24

183,234
(25,864)
17,700
175,070
434
175,504

260,123

73,942
773,468
82,702
30,907
192,062
0.75
5.92
4.76%

32,460
32,418
32,497

49,659
116,972
11,310
3,762
(10,043)
2,303
—
(939)
173,024
(115,001)
(19,909)
(117)
(95,209)
4,442
(99,651)
—
(99,651)

(2.95)
(3.09)
—
(3.09)

(2.95)
(3.09)
—
(3.09)

(12,001)
(59,441)
8,660
(62,782)

—      

(62,782)

84,619

59,357
626,442
147,496
12,500
130,617
0.79
4.04

(55.34%) 

32,324
32,248
32,248

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)73

Board of Directors,
Transat A.T. Inc.

Jean-Marc Eustache
Chairman of the Board,
President and Chief Executive Officer, Transat A.T. Inc.

André Bisson, O.C.
Chairman of the Board, CIRANO
Chancellor Emeritus, Université de Montréal

John P. Cashman 
President, Humphrey Management Limited

Lina De Cesare
President, Tour Operators, Transat A.T. Inc.

Benoît Deschamps
President, Champré Capital Inc.

Jean Guertin
Corporate Advisor and Director
Honorary Professor, HEC Montréal

H. Clifford Hatch Jr.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Aurdisyl Management Corporation 
and Cliffco Investments Limited

Jacques Simoneau
President and Chief Executive Officer, Hydro-Québec CapiTech Inc.

Philippe Sureau
President, Distribution, Transat A.T. Inc.

John D. Thompson
Deputy Chairman, Montreal Trust Company of Canada

Dennis Wood, O.C.
President and Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Wood Holdings Inc.

(cid:1) 74

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Officers of Transat A.T. Inc.

Jean-Marc Eustache
President and Chief Executive Officer 

Philippe Sureau
President, Distribution

Lina De Cesare
President, Tour Operators 

Michel Bellefeuille
Vice-President 
and Chief Information Officer 
(interim)

Bernard Bussières
Vice-President, 
General Counsel 
and Corporate Secretary

André De Montigny
Vice-President, 
Corporate Development

François Laurin
Vice-President,
Finance and Administration 
and Chief Financial Officer

Louise Piché
Corporate Vice-President, 
Human Resources  

Air Consultants Europe

Elisabeth van Raalte
General Manager

Air Transat

Allen B. Graham
President and Chief Executive Officer

Bennett Voyages

Jean-Marc Rozé 
General Manager

Cameleon  

Lina De Cesare 
President

Club Voyages (France)

Patricia Chastel 
General Manager

Handlex

Luc Trépanier
President and Chief Executive Officer

Jonview Canada

Donald Obonsawin
President

Look Voyages

Olivier Kervella
General Manager

Rêvatours

Patricia Corcos
General Manager

Tourgreece

Vassilis P. Sakellaris
President

Transat Distribution Canada

Philippe Sureau
President

Transat Tours Canada

Lina De Cesare
President

Trip Central

Richard Vanderlubbe
President

Vacances Transat (France)

Patrice Caradec
General Manager

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc. (cid:1)75

Information for Shareholders
and Investors

Head Office
Transat A.T. Inc.
Place du Parc
300 Léo-Pariseau Street, Suite 600
Montréal, Québec  H2X 4C2
Telephone: 514.987.1660
Fax: 514.987.8035
www.transat.com
info@transat.com

Information
For additional information 
on the Corporation,
investors and analysts are invited
to contact, in writing, 
the Vice-President, Finance and Administration
and Chief Financial Officer.

Vous pouvez obtenir un exemplaire
de ce rapport annuel en français
en écrivant au vice-président,
finances et administration
et chef de la direction financière.

Stock Exchange
The shares of the Corporation 
are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange
under the ticker symbols
TRZ.B and TRZ.RV.A.

Transfer Agent and Registrar 
CIBC Mellon Trust Company 
2001 University Street, Suite 1600
Montréal, Québec
H3A 2A6
Toll-free: 1.800.387.0825
inquiries@cibcmellon.com
www.cibcmellon.com

Auditors
Ernst & Young LLP
Montréal, Québec

The annual meeting of shareholders 
will be held on March 15, 2006, 
10:00 a.m. at:

International Civil Aviation Organization
999 University Street
Room 3
Montréal, Québec

(cid:1) 76

2005 Annual Report, Transat A.T. Inc.

Graphic Design: Claude Angers
Illustrations: Jean Aubé
Photography: Yves Renaud